Carrick support for '˜TeamAcko'

Les McKee, who is originally from Carrickfergus, was all set to relocate to Ibiza with his partner Louise Atkinson.

The Liverpool-based couple had given notice to their employer and landlord, booked flights, and saved money ahead of the move to their dream home in the sun.

But in June, just weeks before they were to board the plane, Louise received the devastating news that she had breast cancer and needed to start chemotherapy straight away.

Despite the shock, the couple made the decision to get their lives back on track by participating in the Scouse5K this Sunday (September 18).

The run aims to raise funds for the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, where Louise is being treated.

Meanwhile Les, a life long Carrick Rangers and Liverpool fan, has pledged to complete the route wearing an Everton top if the fundraising target of £10,000 is reached.

Their determination has triggered a wave of support this side of the Irish Sea, with members of Les’s family doing their bit for the appeal dubbed ‘TeamAcko’.

Speaking to the Times this week, Les said: “We have over 100 taking part in the Scouse 5k to raise money for Clatterbridge on Sunday.

“At the same time, members of my family will be doing a 5k around Carrick, and our friends Caroline and Philip Mone will be running the Belfast Half Marathon.”

Adding an international dimension to the appeal are friends of the couple, Carrick locals Thomas Ogilvie and Danni Spence, who are to be married in Cyprus on Monday.

Six members of the bridal party will take on a fundraising run on the Mediterranean island the day before the wedding, while one of Les’s friends in Australia also pledged run a further 5k for the couple.

Praising the “overwhelming” response to the TeamAcko appeal, Les added: “I think the support has helped Louise a lot.

“She’s had three rounds of chemo, and given how run down it leaves you, I think it’s pretty impressive that she’s doing a 5k.”

Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/Teamacko