A BIGHEARTED farmer is driving at a max speed of 25km per hour for 690kms to Donegal to raise money for suicide awareness and prevention charities.
Michael Keegan (46) is travelling six days on board a vintage tractor that his grandfather drove to glory in 1964 and hopes to raise €100,000.
Michael, who is driving to Malin Head from Mizen Head in Cork, set off last Friday on his Miles of Hope Tractor Run.
He said: “Over six days, I will travel the length of Ireland by tractor to raise vital funds for this important cause.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will help make a real difference and is greatly appreciated.”
He added: “I’m just trying to raise as much awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland.”
His target went past €55,000 on Monday and was climbing steadily as he approached Donegal.
MESSAGE OF HOPE
The sheep farmer, who is from near Enniskerry in Wicklow, is looking forward to meeting people on the road to spread his “message of help and hope”.
On board the 62-year-old tractor, he plans to reach Donegal tomorrow (Tuesday) after travelling from Leitrim Village to Bundoran, then Ballyshannon, Donegal Town, and Ballybofey.
On his final day on Wednesday, Michael isdue to go from Ballybofey to Letterkenny, Newtowncunningham, Burnfoot, Fahan, Buncrana, Carndonagh, and Malin.
Michael is driving his grandfather Charlie Keegan’s restored Deutz D40L tractor.
Charlie drove it when he won the World Ploughing Championship for Ireland in 1964, which was the country’s first world ploughing title ever.
Michael’s chosen causes are suicide prevention charities 3TS and Pieta House.
The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 and Pieta on 1800 247 247.