Noah's Ark Appeal Lorry Fundraises in Memory of Ian
A horrific car accident that cost 19-year-old Ian Hall his life has prompted his family and the Welsh community to throw their support behind the Noah’s Ark Appeal.
Ian was involved in the accident on his way home to Fishguard 18 months ago. At the time of the crash, Ian was unaware that he had passed his apprenticeship with Mercedes-Benz and was only six weeks away from becoming a fully qualified technician.
In memory of their son, Martin and Kath Hall, proprietors of WF Hall Transport, have purchased a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2554LS Executive Tractor Unit and for every mile the truck travels, WF Hall Transport will donate a penny to the Noah’s Ark charity. Mercedes-Benz, the dealership Euro Commercials, Stena Line and Bar Five have also offered to match the donation.
The truck from Mercedes-Benz CharterWay, which Kath said is “all singing and all dancing”, will be launched at the Children’s Hospital for Wales and will be attended by Welsh sporting hero Gareth Edwards. The presentation will also serve as a tribute to Ian’s late grandfather William Frederick Hall, the founder of the haulage company.
Kath said the charity meant a lot to the Hall family because of Ian’s love of children. She commented: “Ian was one of six healthy and robust children, three boys and three girls, never one of them sick or sorry. As a parent I was always grateful and thanked my lucky stars that they were all strong and well.
“When Ian had his accident the question arose – would you like to sponsor a charity in lieu of flowers? It was suggested that we should support a cancer charity - Ian was my own biggest supporter when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. However it just didn’t seem right, whereas Ian’s love of children made the Noah’s Ark Appeal especially relevant to our family.”
The transport company has now ordered their latest Mercedes-Benz lorry in a dark metallic red instead of the usual blue/silver/white livery. Kath explained: “It was one of Ian’s ambitions to finish his apprenticeship and drive his own red lorry! We have now done this for him, but instead of W F Hall Transport logos we have ordered graphics that promote the Noah’s Ark Appeal.”
And, continuing their fundraising efforts for the charity, the couple are now planning to walk the Inca trail in South America to mark Ian and his mother’s birthday in April next year. Martin has already lost seven stone in preparation of the 4500-meter walk.
“I was always so grateful that I had six healthy children,” Kath said. “But some families are not so lucky and the fact they now have a hospital locally is fantastic.”
Lyn Jones, Noah’s Ark Chairman of Trustees, commented: “The Hall family have become an inspiration to us. The energy and commitment they have shown to the Noah’s Ark Appeal in tribute to Ian is overwhelming. Already the family and their friends have raised thousands of pounds that have provided vital equipment at the Children’s Hospital. The money raised during this new sponsored truck campaign will help the Noah’s Ark Appeal to provide free bedside TV and radio for the children, many of whom are patients for several months at a time. We wish everyone good luck with the campaign and pass on our huge thanks to the corporate sponsors that have shown their support by matching the sponsorship.”
WF Hall Transport has been a Mercedes-Benz CharterWay customer for the past 10 years, with the company operating a 50 plus Mercedes-Benz fleet.
Mercedes-Benz CharterWay spokesman Stuart Bennett said the organization was delighted to assist the community with the worthwhile project.
“Ian had a promising career within the transport industry ahead of him, but this was tragically cut short,” Stuart said. “We are honored that we can assist the Welsh community with this project in Ian’s name.”