Loved ones to mark 10 years since losing wife and mum to lymphoma with Morocco mountain trek
Alison Williamson died after a long and courageous battle with blood cancer
A Co Armagh family is set to take on one of the most demanding climbs in North Africa to help drive forward worldclass blood cancer research happening right here in Northern Ireland.
It’s a powerful tribute marking ten years since losing their wife and mother to a rare and aggressive blood cancer.
On May 14, Barry Williamson from Tandragee together with his 17‑year‑old son Rhys and a close-knit team of friends will scale Mount Toubkal – a 4,167‑metre summit in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
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The climb will take place on the anniversary of the passing of Barry’s wife, Alison, who died in 2016 following a short battle with Hepatosplenic T‑cell Lymphoma.
Supported by daughter Mya, 21, the family hopes the challenge will raise significant funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI (LLNI)—the local research charity they have championed for the past decade.
Since Alison’s death, Barry and his children have raised tens of thousands of pounds to advance blood cancer research in Northern Ireland. Their fundraising helped establish the Alison Williamson PhD Studentship in 2017, supporting vital work into DNA repair mechanisms.
The studentship’s recipient, Dr Harmony Black, completed her PhD in 2020 and now works as a clinical scientist in Belfast City Hospital’s haematology department, analysing and screening patient samples—real impact made possible by this family’s dedication.
Blood cancer is the third most fatal type of cancer and three people are newly diagnosed with a blood cancer every day in NI.
Alison was well-known for her enthusiasm, energy and mischievous sense of humour. She had a zest for life and was fiercely positive, no matter what challenges life threw at her.
Towards the end of 2014, she began to feel unwell and saw her weight drop rapidly. Alongside the fatigue, Alison started experiencing pain in her abdomen. Eventually she underwent an operation to remove her spleen.
Unfortunately, in August 2015 after several more tests, the family received news of Alison’s diagnosis of Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. After her diagnosis, Alison endured 50 days of chemotherapy and eventually was earmarked for a stem cell transplant.
Alison was treated at Craigavon Hospital, was then moved to Dublin and then finally brought to Belfast City Hospital. At one stage she was taking 53 tablets a day. Sadly on 14 May 2016, in the Intensive Care Unit of Belfast City Hospital and nine months after her initial diagnosis, Alison died.
“Alison was an inspiration to everyone who knew her,” Barry said. “She was bubbly, full of life and loved her work as a classroom assistant at Tandragee Primary School. To mark the 10th anniversary, we wanted to do something truly meaningful—and climbing Toubkal felt right.
“It’s a massive challenge, but it’s something we really want to do in her memory. Knowing that Alison’s legacy is helping others gives us real strength. The work LLNI funds is vital – not just for future treatments but for the families facing blood cancer right now.”
Barry and Rhys have been joined by friends Steven and Callum Sterritt, Rodney Balmer, William Hamilton, Ryan Ferry and Graham Mitchell
LLNI-funded researchers are currently working on projects including: improving early diagnosis and predictors of treatment response; developing new targeting therapies with fewer side effects; studying genetic markers that can guide personalised treatment and understanding why aggressive cancers – like the one Alison battled – behave the way they do.
The money raised by the Williamson family contributes directly to this local research. To prepare, Barry and Rhys have taken to the Mourne Mountains every weekend, building the endurance needed for the two‑day ascent. They have been joined by friends Steven and Callum Sterritt, Rodney Balmer, William Hamilton, Ryan Ferry and Graham Mitchell.
They will hike halfway up on day one, stay overnight in a mountain refuge, and then leave at 4:30am on 14 May to reach the summit at sunrise.
Barry is no stranger to fundraising challenges—having completed the Four Peaks in 48 hours, treks across the Alps, glass walks, fire walks, moonlight walks and more—but he admits this may be his toughest yet.
“This will certainly be a big test,” he said. “But we’re proud to do it in Alison’s memory and to help LLNI continue their life‑saving research. Every penny raised stays right here in Northern Ireland to help those who need it most.”
As the tenth anniversary approaches, Barry says he is humbled by community support and immensely proud of Rhys and Mya: “My kids are incredible. They’ve continued to honour their mum’s memory in everything we do. This climb is for her—and for every family affected by blood cancer.”
Through their enduring courage, the Williamsons are helping ensure more local patients receive better diagnoses, better treatments, and a better future.
Businesses can help by becoming a…
• Main Shirt Sponsor (£500): Your logo will be featured individually on the front of the climbing shirts and on the official banner displayed at the summit.
• Support Sponsor (£200): Your logo will be featured on the back of team shirts and on the summit banner.
In addition to the team’s own updates, the charity will acknowledge all sponsors across their social media platforms, reaching an audience of over 20,000 followers.
If you feel you can help Barry and the team please get in touch via info@llni.co.uk
And to members of the public, it you would like to help or donate, contact the Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI link https://leukaemialymphomani.enthuse.com/pf/barry-williamson.
Alternatively, Barry or any of the team members can be contacted directly.
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