"I had the best day of my life!" Santa Tractor Idea Makes Christmas for Cedar Service User

A Cedar service user, who is involved with our Inclusion Works programme, was given the opportunity to celebrate his love for tractors by taking part in a 'Santa Tractor Run' this weekend.  
TJ, who is 21 year old, is currently living in supported housing in Castlewellan. TJ was referred to Inclusion Works in July 2025. There, he began working with Cedar staff members, Caoimhe and Mashael, from Inclusion Works Learning Disability. Described as an enthusiastic and energetic young man, TJ has a love of tractors, diggers and dump trucks. When Caoimhe and Mashael first met with TJ in his home to discuss how they could support him, it was very clear that his interest lay in an activity which directly involved him in one of these vehicles.
However, TJ is living in a remote country location which limited the number of opportunities on his door step. Additionally, because of TJ's learning disability he found it hard to focus on participating in any other type of activity, and so he faced isolation. 
Left to Right: Caoimhe, Martina, Ryan and TJ
Three weeks ago Caoimhe contacted the local Santa tractor runs, thinking this would be a way for TJ to build a relationship with people in the local community, whilst also doing something he loved - being near tractors.
Martina Clendenning, from Bright Community Centre, embraced the idea of involving TJ in the local Santa Tractor run she organises every year. Her daughter had used Cedar services previously, so Martina wanted to give back for all the support her family had received. Martina was keen to involve TJ in all aspects of the event. Martina's son, Ryan, had been the inspiration behind the event, which has now been running for six years.
Caoimhe and Martina spoke for weeks leading up to the event, with Martina taking a lead in planning ways to make this opportunity more than just one day for TJ.
Locally Martina has strong links to people within the farming world, who would gather the day of the tractor run. Caoimhe and TJ planned to meet at the Community Centre early on the day, to speak to the farmers that Martina had identified as contacts for TJ.
Among them were several notable faces, including David Gill, who is an 8-time World Champion Plougher, and who has set up the NI Ploughing Academy, a voluntary Academy to share his knowledge with young people. Since the meeting, David has offered TJ a place in the Academy and he is going to support TJ to get his tractor licence ( which is a dream come true for TJ!)
Also present were Cyrill McKinney, who has worked with adults with learning disabilities for 40+ years, and Damien Tumilty, who runs Castlescreen Farm, a local organic farm with day opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities. Damien has also offered TJ a day opportunity - to come and learn about the farm and help look after the animals. He will first go for a trial day to see how he enjoys it and if he would like to, he will have the chance to go back on a weekly basis. It is hoped that this will lead to more long term community involvement, fulfilment and enjoyment for TJ.
One of the highlights of the night itself was when TJ got pride of place for the Tractor Run. in the buddy seat of a New Holland tractor. Despite the rain, TJ had a smile on his face from ear to ear all evening.  He was presented with 2 model tractors at the end of the evening to thank him for judging the event. He chose the three best decorated vehicles at the event, out of over 100 to choose from.
Now, moving forward, TJ plans to get his tractor licence with the help of David Gill, and to attend the Ploughing Academy to learn how to plough.
In addition, he plans to go to Castlescreen farm for a trial day in the New year - hopefully leading to a weekly opportunity if he enjoys it.
And beyond that, he has made so many new friends, with the hope that he will be happier and feel more settled in his new community.
Putting it in his own words, TJ said: "I had the best day of my life, Yeooooooooo!" 
Martina Clendenning, of the Bright Community Centre and lead organiser of the Santa Tractor Run, said "We aim to do as much as we can for the young people, it's all about them. As long as he enjoyed it, it was all worth it!"
Find out more about Inclusion Works here: Inclusion Works | The Cedar Foundation