Annual Sean Loughran Charity Tractor Run raises funds for SOSAD

The annual Sean Loughran Charity Tractor Run took place on Sunday 5 February 2023, in Collon, Co Louth.  The event honours the memory of a Glasallen farmer, Sean Loughran who died suddenly at the age of just 56 four years ago. 

When Sean died from a sudden heart attack on 8 February 2019 his friends in the local farming community got together to hold the tractor run in his memory and to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation. They have been holding the event ever since, raising funds for different charities every year an this year's run was for mental health charity, SOSAD.

SOSAD say they wish to give a huge thanks to all involved in organising this year’s event raising €5,500 for SOSAD.  The Organising Committee presented the cheque to Marie Kennedy, SOSAD Fundraising & PR Coordinator, who commented that it was "an amazing amount raised, thank you so much".  Marie says that without events like this SOSAD could not provide the services it does throughout its six offices based in Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan and Laois, from which they provide their services. 

"We receive very little funding from the Government and HSE so we rely very heavily on the generosity of the public, donations, fundraising events, corporate sponsorship and once-off grants. This funding is used to maintain our offices, services and staff", Marie added. 

Marie explains, "SOSAD (Save our Sons & Daughters) offers support and services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety, or if you simply need to talk.  If you want to talk, we are here to listen. You can message us, call us, or call into our office.  

"We are a mental health charity that provides support and services free of charge to anyone who is struggling with depression, bereavement, stress, anxiety suicidal ideation, self-harming, or if you simply want to talk. We aim to provide care and support through life's challenges, through a person centered, professional approach.  

"Last year over the six SOSAD offices we facilitated and helped over 5,000 clients. We have approximately 400 counsellors that give their time free of charge to help our clients along what is sometimes a very difficult journey. 

"Our helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter what time of the day or night we are here, whether you need help yourself, or you are concerned about someone close to you.

"Our helpline is manned by trained volunteers who can listen, give you information on other services, or even just have a chat in an understanding and non judgmental space. If you ring the helpline you can then be referred on to attend counselling with our service."

"OUR VISION - We want every community to develop their own sense of security through positive mental wellbeing. We believe in Suicide Prevention through Early Intervention.

"OUR MISSION - We want to provide care and support through life’s challenges, through a person centered, professional approach.

"OUR VALUES – We value our volunteers as a source of our strength, enabling us to deliver the best care and support to our clients. 

"We appreciate and value the support of you the public by donation to us: you allow us to continue to provide our services."