STAFF at a Teesdale country store have helped to fund a fortnight’s worth of Macmillan cancer care in memory of their colleague.
A tractor rally, which was organised by workers at Carrs Billington, in Barnard Castle, saw 55 enthusiasts hit the dale’s roads in vintage and modern machinery earlier this month.
The event raised £3,109 for Macmillan Cancer Support as a tribute to the late Jane Hogarth, the former branch supervisor who worked at the depot for 24 years.
Ms Hogarth, who lived in Rookhope, lost her battle with cancer in August last year at the age of 46. Her husband, Andrew, was loaned a tractor by friend and farmer Ian Skidmore so he could take his place in the rally.
Machinery salesman, Marc Thorn, who led the event, handed over the money raised to the charity last week.
Macmillan’s senior fundraising manager for County Durham, Michelle Muir, said: “A lot of people donate to Macmillan because someone they know has been affected by cancer.
“We know this was organised in memory of Jane who was supported by the charity. Macmillan relies on donations from the public including people like Marc and businesses like Carrs Billington.
“It costs £210 per day for a Macmillan nurse so this money will probably fund about two weeks. Some families only need a couple of hours.”
Mr Thorn thanked his colleagues at the country store for lending a helping hand as well as Marwood farmer, Brian Robson, who offered advice on how to run a successful tractor rally.
Mr Thorn said: “To have raised this much money is brilliant.
“Thank you very much to everyone for your donations. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback. People really enjoyed it.
“Deep down I think Jane would have loved it but she was not the kind of person who liked fuss.”
As well as helping to provide care and support to families at home when they need it most, Macmillan Cancer Support also runs information and support centres which offer free and confidential support and advice for cancer patients and their loved ones.
Ms Muir added: “We could not carry on operating these services without people like Marc. To raise this amount of money is fantastic. It will go a long way to help people in the local area.”
