Fundraising in Brian’s memory

A Lurgan woman has spearheaded a phenomenal fundraising campaign to honour the memory of her late husband.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Oct 2014, 16:00 BST
Centrepoint - cheque presentation to Marie Curie in memory of Slyvia Archer's late husband Brian (£2,010). From left; Alana Archer and baby Joshua Black, Sylvia Archer, Roy Archer, Margaret Coleman, Chairperson of the local Marie Curie Group, Ron Gemmell and Alistair Archer. INLM4114-409Centrepoint - cheque presentation to Marie Curie in memory of Slyvia Archer's late husband Brian (£2,010). From left; Alana Archer and baby Joshua Black, Sylvia Archer, Roy Archer, Margaret Coleman, Chairperson of the local Marie Curie Group, Ron Gemmell and Alistair Archer. INLM4114-409
Centrepoint - cheque presentation to Marie Curie in memory of Slyvia Archer's late husband Brian (£2,010). From left; Alana Archer and baby Joshua Black, Sylvia Archer, Roy Archer, Margaret Coleman, Chairperson of the local Marie Curie Group, Ron Gemmell and Alistair Archer. INLM4114-409

Ten years ago father-of-three Brian Archer passed away at the age of 39, just 11 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

His wife Sylvia said: “He had taken a sore neck in work and it turned out to be a brain tumour.

“He died 11 months after the diagnosis.

Centrepoint - cheque presentation to Marie Curie in memory of Slyvia Archer's late husband Brian (£2,010). From left; Alana Archer and baby Joshua Black, Sylvia Archer, Roy Archer, Margaret Coleman, Chairperson of the local Marie Curie Group, Ron Gemmell and Alistair Archer. INLM4114-408Centrepoint - cheque presentation to Marie Curie in memory of Slyvia Archer's late husband Brian (£2,010). From left; Alana Archer and baby Joshua Black, Sylvia Archer, Roy Archer, Margaret Coleman, Chairperson of the local Marie Curie Group, Ron Gemmell and Alistair Archer. INLM4114-408
Centrepoint - cheque presentation to Marie Curie in memory of Slyvia Archer's late husband Brian (£2,010). From left; Alana Archer and baby Joshua Black, Sylvia Archer, Roy Archer, Margaret Coleman, Chairperson of the local Marie Curie Group, Ron Gemmell and Alistair Archer. INLM4114-408
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“He was working in Visteon at the time but most people would have known him from his time working at Hyster. He worked there most of his life.

“It happened very quickly in the end. He went through radiotherapy and chemotherapy, sadly none of them worked.

“The reason we chose Marie Curie to raise money for is because they came here to and cared for Brian in his home. This is where he died. I didn’t want him to die in hospital.

“Marie Curie Cancer Care were there for us at such a difficult time and this money will provide care for people who need it in our community.”

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In the space of four weeks, Sylvia led a fundraising drive to mark the 10th anniversary of her husband’s death.

The grand total raised for Marie Curie was £2010.56.

Fundraising culminated in a football tournament at Centrepoint.

The tournament was officially opened by the Mayor Colin McCusker who took the ceremonial kick off.

Eleven teams took part and the eventual winners were Netbusters captained by James Furphy who were presented their trophy by Brian’s son Ally.

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Sylvia thanked everyone who bought raffle tickets and gave donations as well as thanking all the business and friends who donated prizes for our raffle.

On behalf of her family Sylvia thanked Classic Mineral water for supplying water to the footballers and Tesco Lurgan for their donation of fruit and snacks.

She thanked Centrepoint Bowl for the use of their facilities, GAPS at Centrepoint for hiring out their pitches and to North Lurgan Community Association and to Hyster for sponsoring the event.

Victoria Supporters’ Club were thanked for sponsoring the winners cup and Frank Traynor for sponsoring the trophies and plaques.

Related topics:Marie Curie