Man who survived quad bike accident raises over £14,000
Successful fashion show raises monies for Air Ambulance NI. See Page 32
OVER £14,000 has been raised for the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland charity following a sheep sale on Tuesday evening.
The sheep sale was organised by Peter Collum from Letterbreen who was injured in an accident on his farm.
21-year-old Peter was flipped off his quad which landed on top of him in May of this year and fractured his T9 vertebrae. When he was treated in hospital, doctors advised Peter that he was millimetres away from being paralysed.
Peter did not need the Air Ambulance but recognises how vital the service is to the local community.
Peter was “overwhelmed with the turnout” for the charity sheep sale at the Ulster Farmers Mart in Enniskillen.
Speaking following the event, Peter said: “When I first thought of the idea, I did not imagine it would get such a great response.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for the support and generosity from all who donated sheep, from the local businesses for vouchers for the auction and a lovely Christmas cake that was kindly given,” he said.
Peter is grateful to all of those who participated and added: “A thanks to all the local farmers in the community who bought at the sale and those who gave donations.”
Peter is in great appreciation of all of those who made the sale a success, he added: “I would like to thank the Ulster Farmers Mart for holding the event and to all of the staff including canteen staff for all of the help and support.”
The total raised at the time of going to print was £14,717 with the auction on Tuesday night raising £13,500 with a collection bucket on the night raising £717.
In addition, A Justgiving page has been set up and is still open for donations via https://tinyurl. com/2p9h9zuw.
At the time of going to print £500 had been raised via the donation page, recording a total of £14,717 with all funds being raised for the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland charity.
A man has been handed a fine and penalty points for driving a vehicle with no insurance.
It is the result of police stopping a Ford Transit van on Old Junction Road in Irvinestown on August 6, 2022.
At Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday it was heard how Robert Hughes (30), with an address of Old Junction Road, Trillick was driving the van in front of police before it was pulled over and he was spoken to.
The insurance disc on the van window showed the policy had expired in March 2021.
When police asked the defendant about the insurance and conducted a notebook interview, Hughes responded: “I’ll be honest I don’t have any.”
His solicitor, Reggie Ferguson, told the court Hughes was originally from Co. Leitrim but had moved to Trillick where he was living with his partner and child.
He said Hughes’ driving licence and the van were seized following the incident. The van has since of been disposed of so the court would not be troubled on that front added Mr. Ferguson.
Mr. Ferguson said Hughes was insured on his partner’s car but she was away in it and he had the opportunity to do some casual work and took a chance with the van.
He added that Hughes admitted the offence during the interview, co-operated with police and had no previous record.
Giving Hughes credit for his early plea, co-operation and clear record, District Judge Steven Keown handed Hughes three penalty points and a £350 fine.