Wayne Smith Memorial Tractor Run to remember young Wilkinstown man

A tractor run in memory of a young Wilkinstown man on his 10th anniversary will take place on Sunday to raise funds for a young boy who has been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The Wayne Smith Memorial Tractor Run starts at 2pm on Sunday at the Bradley Farm, Harlonstown road, Leggagh, Castletown, with registration at 1pm.

Wayne was born in July 1992 and was unfortunately diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was just two years old.

He lived as active a life as possible, with great support from his parents, Deirdre and Patsy, and his many friends. He travelled to Washington, USA, on many occasions to visit his late uncle William, aunt Annmarie, and cousins Henry and Liam.

His main interests were sport, farming and collecting farm models.

Wayne was a massive Manchester United Fan and made many trips to Old Trafford Stadium. On one of those trips he was brought on a JCB factory tour. Wayne spent a lot of his time with Thomas and Bernard McKeown from Bradley Farm, which is why the tractor run takes place there. Refreshments will be served and there will be a raffle and music with Shotgun Shankey and The Bullets on Sunday night in Tiernan's of Wilkinstown.

There were six previous tractor runs held in Wayne's memory and all the proceeds went to six families whose children also suffered from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

This year the proceeds are going to little Donnacha O’Neill who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in October at just 12 months old. At the moment Donnacha is doing very well.