Full steam ahead for brave Emma

Organisers of the Help Emma Beat it Trust are to stage the outdoor Classic, Vintage Car and Farm Machinery show over two days at Ballybrit Racecourse on June 28 and 29 to help a brave local girl in her battle with cancer.

Registration for the event has already surpassed all expectations and it is on course to becoming the largest event of its type in Ireland.

The event which promises to be a massive gathering of vehicles, some of which have not been seen by members of the public in decades, has been organised to help the fund to support 17-year-old Emma Naughton-Heavey from Oranmore.

Emma is battling a rare virulent cancer called Fibrolamellar and has to travel to the USA every 12 weeks to meet with doctors there.

Thomas Heavey, Chairman of the event and father of Emma. said:  “I have been around the Classic scene for many years due to my work and I have been humbled by the support that my peers are showing for the cause.

“Ever since Emma was diagnosed with this rare cancer in January 2013 vintage and classic clubs and enthusiast’s from all over Ireland have wanted to support her fund, Help Emma Beat It. We came up with the Idea of hosting the outdoor show and it looks like this event will be of a scale never before seen in the country.”

The show will comprise a display of vintage cars, tractors, steam engines, stationary engines and old time machinery and tools. To date enthusiast’s and clubs from across the 32 counties have confirmed they will attend this once-off special event.

Emma said:  “It has been a tough journey over the past 12 months and it has been particularly difficult having to face several surgeries and follow-up treatments in America while in my Leaving Cert year.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.