Award boost for Lisburn charity

At the Ulster Tatler awards Barry McGuigan was happy to pose with a Boom Foundation wristband. Also pictured are Founder and Trustee Leona Rankin and Trustee Kent Smith.

The Boom Foundation was set up by Leona Rankin after her fiance Philip Wilson (36) originally from Lombard Avenue, Lisburn died from Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer which affects the soft tissue and bones, seven weeks before they were due to marry.

Leona, from Coleraine, felt there was a lack of awareness and support for those suffering from the condition. The charity, as well as organising fundraising events such as a golf day at Castlerock and a kick a thon event, also held an information day at Dunsilly.

The charity also managed to set up a referral system with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust which allows the charity to make contact with those who have been diagnosed with sarcoma.

There are over 100 people diagnosed with sarcoma each year in Northern Ireland, many of whom are children.

The charity has a dedicated team of volunteers who liaise with the patient throughout their treatment, offering support as well as “Boom Pack a Punch Days” and Boom Grants for financial assistance.

Philip was just 26 when he was first diagnosed with sarcoma in his leg and had to undergo an operation to remove the bone and replace it with metal. After courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and six years in remission Philip’s cancer returned and he lost his battle against the condition in March last year.

Members of the Boom Foundation, Kent Smith - who was to be best man at Philip’s wedding - and wife Joanne said that the award meant a lot to them.

“We are absolutely delighted to win the Award Charity of the Year joint winners with another local charity Stepping Stones both of us based in Lisburn,” said Joanne. “We are hoping that the award will help us raise the profile of The Boom Foundation and raise public awareness of Sarcoma. You can contact us at www.theboomfoundation.co.uk.”