Carrowdore Car Run Marks Tenth Year with Record-Breaking Charity Total

Vintage engines, community spirit and a surprise lap of Kirkistown Racing Circuit helped make this year’s event one to remember.

Carrowdore was alive with the unmistakable sights, sounds and smells of vintage and classic motoring on Friday 7 August, as Carrowdore and Ballyfrenis Presbyterian Church hosted the tenth annual Carrowdore charity car run.

Vehicles travelled from miles around for the milestone event, with car parks and surrounding roads soon packed by an impressive 260 entrants. This year’s chosen charity was Jordan’s Gift, a local organisation established in memory of Jordan Kennedy, which supports young people in Northern Ireland who are living with temporary or permanent disability, hardship or need.

At 7pm, the impressive cavalcade set off along Main Street before travelling through Greyabbey, Kircubbin and Rubane, where participants regrouped for a surprise lap of Kirkistown Racing Circuit. From there, the run continued through Portavogie, Ballyhalbert and Ballywalter before reaching its now-famous finish at the Sandycove premises of Tom and Wendy Turkington.

The tenth anniversary celebrations also featured a static car display, alongside hot dogs, tea and ice cream, creating a relaxed community atmosphere for entrants, supporters and spectators alike.

The evening proved a huge success, breaking previous records and raising a remarkable £4,250 for charity. Organisers expressed their sincere thanks to committee members James, Mark, Alan and Richard; their own marshals; outside volunteers; 500 MRCI and the marshals at Kirkistown; Trevor and Fel; Graham Baalham-Curry; and the Newtownards Chronicle.

Thanks were also extended to the event sponsors: RJ’s Vehicle Restoration and Paint Shop, Haldane Fisher Bangor, Eurospar Carrowdore, Trucks at the Track, Blackwater Graphics, U Hire and Harrison Joinery, as well as to the Co. Down travelling motorcycle marshals for their valued support.

Colin Kennedy, speaking on behalf of Jordan’s Gift, said the charity had been deeply moved by the generosity shown.

“All of us at Jordan’s Gift are overwhelmed by the massive donation of £4,250 from Carrowdore Vintage and Classic Car Run,” said Colin Kennedy.

“Our small charity was set up to honour the memory of our son and brother, Jordan Kennedy. Jordan died following an epileptic seizure when he was 22, and the best way to keep his memory alive is to help young people living with disability or hardship.”

“We are indebted to everyone who organised, attended or donated to the car run and cannot thank the organisers enough. This wonderful donation from our friends in Carrowdore will ensure we continue to help young people who need support.”