The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Truckers pulling in cash
● Highland town hosts almost 200 vehicles in aid of good causes
In scenes reminiscent of the iconic 1970s movie Convoy, almost 200 truckers descended on the Highlands for a major charity event.
The Truck In2 Grantownon-Spey was launched by heavy plant driver and former truck driver Martin Grant after traumatic brain surgery was successfully carried out on his 24-yearold daughter Sarah two years ago.
The pair wanted to repay those who helped save her life, and then also raise cash for other charities –
“This year it was 190, and the support is fabulous”
including those benefiting patients with Motor Neurone Disease.
Mr Grant, who drove trucks for years, said: “Sarah suffered a brain condition which made her very ill. But she had successful surgery in 2017 and we wanted to do something as a pay back.
“We have been supporting the Friends of the Neuro Ward at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, but are supporting other charities including those with MND, as we have friends with that also.
“We launched last year and had 106 trucks. But this year it was 190, and the support is fabulous.”
They attracted major sponsors, while also having top attractions including the Riders of the Storm display team and live music from Abba tribute act Swede Dreams.
John MacKintosh, vice chairman of Truck In2 Grantown, said: “This show evolved from an idea by Martin to raise money for a charity close to his family’s heart.
“Word has certainly got around the trucking fraternity far and wide and the general public as a whole, the outcome being that we have about 190 entries from around the UK.
“Due to the success of the show in 2018 we were able to present the Friends of the Neuro Ward with a sizable cheque for £5,000 and many other local charities and groups also benefited from the success of the show.
“This year our main beneficiary will be MND Scotland, which is a charity that is close to many local families who have lost loved ones to this terrible disease.
“Also, once again, many donations will be made to local charities, groups and clubs.”