Hitting the road for a great Dumfries and Galloway cause

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Intrepid tractor and truck drivers braced the weather to ensure that the popular illuminated Christmas run from Lockerbie to Dumfries and back went ahead.A record 282 vehicles took part and it’s thought that more £15,000 has been raised again for the Neonatal Unit at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary – although the confirmed full total will be announced shortly.Three previous years of the incredible festive feat have already raised a whopping £28,850 combined.Supporters were keen to help again with tractor and truck drivers in their decorated vehicles turning up at the Lockerbie auction mart for the send off.And many local businesses and organisations also played an important role in helping make the magic happen.However, it was the incredible support from the public and everyone who took part which has struck a chord with organiser, Ryan Muir.Thanking everyone involved, he said: “I’m literally just overwhelmed and physically and mentally drained from the support and love shown by absolutely everyone.“I absolutely loved as we drove along the route being cheered on by the thousands.”He added: “We pushed on after waking up and everything was covered in snow.

My phone was going non-stop with people warning me roads were treacherous. However, I was constantly watching the forecast and as I splashed my way through the snow and slush setting up, it was becoming clearer that it was melting and rain was washing it away.

This made me feel that there would still be a lot of snow in places and there would be people who wouldn’t make it and it might not be as big as the year before.“Anyway – we did it.