Co Armagh husband's four peaks climb in wife's memory

The husband of a young mother who died from cancer just three months ago is leading a charity mountain climb to keep her memory alive and raise money for a cancer charity.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Aug 2016, 15:06 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:37 BST
Barry Williamson with his two children Mya and Rhys and some of those who will join him on his mountain challengeBarry Williamson with his two children Mya and Rhys and some of those who will join him on his mountain challenge
Barry Williamson with his two children Mya and Rhys and some of those who will join him on his mountain challenge

Barry Williamson, from Tandragee, Co Armagh along with his brothers Lee and Paul, cousin Mark and six friends, are aiming to climb the four highest peaks in the UK – Ben Nevis, Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Slieve Donard – in just 48 hours.

Barry’s wife Alison was diagnosed with a rare type of blood cancer at the end of last summer and despite undergoing a stem cell transplant and various other treatments died on May 14, aged just 31.

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Her husband said the climb, which will take place in October, will be a “massive challenge” but that “Alison will be very much with us in spirit”.

Money raised will go to Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI, a charity close to Alison’s heart and the only one in the Province solely dedicated to fighting blood cancers.

Barry has described his wife as his “best friend” and “a perfect mummy” who loved life and made the most of every moment of it.

Alison, who was mum to Mya, 11, and Rhys, 7, worked as a classroom assistant at Tandragee Primary School.

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Barry added: “She spent a long time in three different hospitals and faced having to take 53 tablets and four litres of water a day.

“It was for her a horrendous and arduous journey of sickness, pain and suffering but Alison was prepared to undergo any sort of treatment available that would give her the opportunity of having more time with her family.

“She never complained or worried about herself. Even on her darkest days, she could still manage to smile and give you a thumbs-up.”

Her family is also holding A Night at the Races at Portadown Rugby Club on September 10, starting at 8pm.

Anyone who would like more information about the challenge should go to www.justgiving4in48 or send an email to [email protected].

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