Legenderry Motor Show raises almost £9,000 to support kidney patients

A cheque presentation took place recently at the Renal Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital with Legenderry Motor Show organisers Richard and Joanne Gillespie presenting a cheque for a total of £8,802 to Jo-Anne Dobson who is Northern Ireland Ambassador for Kidney Care UK.

Commenting Legenderry organisers Richard and Joanne Gillespie said: “We were delighted that once again Legenderry, now in it’s successful twelfth year, can raise such an amazing sum which will go to help local families across Northern Ireland, including those attending the renal unit at Altnagelvin Hospital, who are affected by kidney disease.

“Each year we are thrilled to see the Show grow and expand and we are passionate about adding new and exciting attractions.

“Practically everything with an engine is welcome at the Show, whether it’s cars, bikes, vans, tractors, trucks, gliders and the list goes on.

“We want to extend a special thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make our eleventh annual Show such a success from the vehicle exhibitors who travel from all over each year to join us, to our sponsors and local businesses who support us, but most of all to the thousands of people who thronged St Columb’s Park for a family fun day out and all in aid of supporting a local charity and helping people affected by kidney disease.”

The popular Show is dedicated to the memory of Richard's beloved uncle, local man, Given Gillespie who was the driving force behind Legenderry Motor Show.

Jo-Anne Dobson is a living kidney donor and Kidney Care UK Northern Ireland Ambassador, Jo-Anne said: “What a day, what a motor show and what a team Richard and Joanne Gillespie make – they really put their hearts and souls into making this show such an annual success story for the city.

“At Kidney Care UK we are extremely proud to be the chosen charity of the Show and to receive this magnificent total which will help us to ensure that no one faces kidney disease alone. We are truly blown away by the love, support and generosity from everyone who came along to enjoy the special day.

“Legenderry really is the show for enthusiasts of motors of all shapes and sizes and from the smallest bikes, to the 2CV Tin Snails to the Trucks everyone takes pride in their vehicles enjoys a super family fun day out.

“ I thank Richard, Joanne and their team from the bottom of my heart for all they do and also my friend and kidney recipient Heather Vance, her family and friends for their continued amazing support.

“The money raised from Legenderry, now totalling over £18,000, will help to support the needs of local kidney patients and their families and I want to extend a very special thank you to each and every person who attended September’s Show and made this most recent terrific total possible.

“At Kidney Care UK we fund the children from across Northern Ireland to attend the Transplant Games and provide dedicated financial and emotional support services including funding Shared Care nurses at the Renal Units at Altnagelvin and Omagh Hospitals and a Renal Counsellor in the Northern Trust.

“None of this would be possible without the terrific support we receive from the heart of the local community for which we are truly thankful.”

Richard and Joanne Gillespie concluded: “We are so proud to once again raise such a fantastic amount of money for a very worthy cause which touches to the lives of so many local families.

“So much preparation goes into organising this event and it was great to join everyone at the Renal Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital to hand over this cheque and hear more about the amazing and life-transforming work they do.”

You can find out more information about the show on Facebook at @LegenderryMotorShow and about Kidney Care UK at www.kidneycareuk.org