Reverse and Raise generates over €30k

Reversing a tractor and trailer across Co Monaghan has driven more than €30,000 towards two worthy causes and earned Aaron Corley a Guinness World Record. The Smithborough man, who now lives in Clones with his family, raised €30,749.02 for Make-A-Wish Ireland and mental health charity LA519 through the border-to-border challenge, aptly named Reverse & Raise.

Aaron said both causes were deeply personal. Having lost two friends, including one to suicide, he wanted the challenge to offer hope to people facing difficult circumstances: “I wanted to make it so hard to show that there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

His family-focused work also influenced his decision to support Make-A-Wish. Alongside his wife Lisa’s gymnastics enterprise, Aaron runs an indoor play and party business for children and AC Flash Hire bouncy castles.

Mr Corley credited the organising committee, Ulster Canal Stores, the fire brigade, local businesses, sponsors, donors and everyone who produced promotional videos or helped on the day with bringing the record attempt and fundraiser to life. Playing down his own role, he said: “I’ve done the driving, they’ve done the work.”

The motorcycle community also played a central role, organising fundraising runs and contributing close to €1,000 independently of Aaron's own efforts.

AnneMarie Marshall of Gone But Not Forgotten Bikers presented Aaron with some photographs and a framed newspaper spread, saying: “It’s not everyday you make it into a German newspaper!”

Aaron thanked his wife Lisa and their son Pádraig, for their support, as well as main sponsor LA Gymnastics, Lisa’s company. He also acknowledged Universal Graphics and the Co Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection Service, where he serves as a retained firefighter, for helping the challenge run smoothly. His friend Paddy Flynn kindly donated the tractor and fuel, while Pauric Cassidy donated the trailer.

Further thanks went to Sergeant Stephen McCabe in Clones, Martin Mullarky of Big Beard Photography and Garth Gault from the Grassman social media channel. Managed by Hugh Tunney, the Ulster Canal Stores in Clones was already familiar to Aaron through his work delivering meals on wheels. It provided a fitting base at the end of the challenge before hosting the cheque presentation to the charities on Friday, September 26, when an army of supporters gathered to mark the occasion.

The chosen charities

Molly O’Neill, community and events fundraiser with Make-A-Wish Ireland, explained that the wishes for children living with critical medical conditions can range from taking a family trip to something as simple as visiting the beach.

“We always strive to make sure that it’s an experience for the entire family so that they can create memories that stay with them for a lifetime,” she said. As Make-A-Wish Ireland receives no government funding, Ms O’Neill said support from Aaron and the wider community would help grant many more wishes. Applications, fundraising information and contact details are available at make-a-wish.ie.

Barry Aughey, founder of Monaghan-based mental health organisation LA519, said the charity grew from the loss of his 16-year-old son, Luke, to suicide in May 2019.

Active across Cavan and Monaghan, LA519 works in primary and secondary schools, delivering practical workshops designed to build resilience, confidence and wellbeing before young people reach crisis point. “We go out and we connect with people,” Mr Aughey said, adding that its early intervention had helped young people in crisis and “saved a few lives”.

He encourages pupils to recognise difficult feelings, take ownership of them and seek support if they persist. If you would like to find out more email: hello@la519.com or text LA519 to 50808.

Praising Aarron’s record- breaking reverse, Mr Aughey concluded: “I know you’ve got more in you! It is a great achievement and a great community effort.”