Races night for Alison a runaway success

Barry Williamson, his brothers, cousin and team mates who will climb the four peaks, along with drivers and support crew. All are wearing their special T-shirts which have the logos of all their major sponsors. INPT38-021

Barry Williamson from Tandragee, who is taking part in the Four Peaks Challenge next month, has now raised more than £30,000 in the past two months.

His wife Alison, a mother-of-two and former classroom assistant at Tandragee Primary School, died in May after a courageous battle with a rare form of blood cancer,

Since then Barry has focused all his efforts on raising money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI, which was close to Alison’s heart and is the only organisation in Northern Ireland solely devoted to fighting blood cancers.

At the Armagh event, there was also an auction of sporting memorabilia and vouchers donated by local companies and businesses. Boxing gloves signed by Carl Frampton and a rugby shirt signed by the Ulster Team went for the highest amounts.

Barry is now preparing for his big expedition next month when he - along with his two brothers, cousin and six friends - will climb Snowdon, Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Slieve Donard, all in a 48-hour period.

Rev Canon Shane Forster, rector of Ballymore, said, “By raising money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI, Barry is ensuring that others will receive the help and treatment they need, that research into the causes and cures of blood cancer will remain ongoing, and it’s all being done in Alison’s name. A wonderful way to remember and celebrate the life of an inspirational young woman – wife, mother and friend – who touched the lives of so many.”