Farm Toy Show funds in memory of William

The charity partner was set up in memory of William Walker (25), a member of Moycraig YFC, who tragically passed away five years ago at the Balmoral Show.

In May 2011 young farmer William from Islandmore near Portrush had went along to the Balmoral Show. He met up with his friends and had enjoyed a great day. However as he made his way to the Young Farmer’s Tug Of War finals he suddenly collapsed and sadly passed away. William had been waiting for a heart operation. His mother Priscilla, father Stephen and his sister Claire were left to grieve his tragic loss. However mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow and the William Walker Living Oak Fund was established.

“We wanted to raise funds for NICHS in William’s memory because of the heart condition he lived with.

“It also helps keep us focused organising events and we feel it keeps us closer to him.” stated the Walker family. To date £20,363 has been raised.

William’s sister Claire is the current secretary of Moycraig YFC. Claire took time out of her schedule which includes preparing for the Moycraig YFC’s next drama production to join her mother Priscilla and Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show organiser Alastair Bell to announce that the William Walker Living Oak Fund of NI Chest Heart and Stroke will be this Good Friday’s Show charity partner.

Alastair Bell added: “The William Walker Living Oak Fund has a very close linkage with the Portrush Show and I sincerely hope that the Walker family will be encouraged through a generous response to the fundraising efforts at the event.”

The Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show takes place on Good Friday (March 25) at Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush.

It is now over 10 years since the inception of the Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show. The event dedicated to the miniature world of tractors has served to encourage, inspire and develop this intergenerational interest throughout Northern Ireland, Donegal and further.

Beyond the immediate focus of the tiny tractors there has been a complimentary aim to raise funds for a myriad of local charities and good causes. Charities including NI Kidney Research, Rural Support, RNLI, Alzheimer’s Society, Samaritans, Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer, Childrens Heartbeat Trust, Cancer Focus NI, NI Chest Heart and Stroke, Clic Sargent and Aware Defeat Depression have been charity partners to the Portrush Show.