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Vincents raises more than £20,000 for MND Association at 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Family-run South West machinery dealership Vincents has raised £20,250 for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association following a special gala dinner held as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations. More than 200 guests, including friends, family, customers, suppliers and partners came together for the event, which marked six decades of the family-run business while raising vital funds for a cause close to the hearts of the Vincent family. 

Held at St Mellion Estate, the gala was attended by all three generations of the Vincent family, including founder Ken Vincent, customers, industry partners and supporters from across the agricultural, construction and groundcare sectors as well as special guest and speaker Jack Yeandle of Exeter Chiefs. 

Generosity from guests and sponsors, which included Kubota, NFU Mutual, Kernow Training and Start & Co Estate Agents, helped to deliver the remarkable total. 

Alec Vincent and Nick Vincent, third-generation managing directors of Vincents, said: "As we celebrate 60 years of Vincents, it felt important to use this milestone to support a cause that means so much to our family. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our customers, suppliers, colleagues and friends. Raising more than £20,000 is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the strength of the relationships that have supported our business for six decades." 

The MND Association was chosen in memory of Ken and Esme's son, John Vincent, who ran the business alongside his brother, Paul Vincent, for many years and sadly lost his life to motor neurone disease in his 40s. 

The significant total was raised through a charity auction, raffle and donations throughout the evening. The auction alone generated more than £7,000, with prizes donated by businesses and individuals from across the South West. Prizes included a robotic mower and garden equipment package donated by Cramer, a private Champagne dinner experience for eight guests to be enjoyed in their own home from The Waterfront in Polzeath, a luxury overnight stay and dining experience at Outlaw House donated by Nathan Outlaw, a four-ball round of golf at St Enodoc Golf Club, and framed Rugby World Cup memorabilia donated by Wynn Parry. 

Nick Cole, Head of Research at the MND Association, who attended the gala dinner and spoke during the evening, said: "The generosity shown by the Vincent family, their customers, suppliers and friends was extraordinary. Together, they have raised more than £20,000 to help the MND Association support people affected by MND today and invest in vital research that is improving our understanding of MND, helping to develop more effective treatments and bringing us closer to a cure."

Founded by Ken Vincent and Esme Vincent in Fraddon in 1966, the business has evolved from its origins as Vincents Tractors into a multi-sector machinery dealership supporting farmers, contractors, councils, estates, golf courses and hospitality businesses across the South West. Under the leadership of third-generation managing directors Alec Vincent and Nick Vincent, the company continues to invest in its people, facilities and customer service, including plans for a new purpose-built Devon branch opening in Cullompton in 2027. The new Cullompton branch will sit alongside the Fraddon and Holsworthy branches and will bring together Vincents’ Wellington and Smithaleigh teams.