Leona’s fire walk for Boom Foundation

Leona Rankin’s fiance Philip Wilson died a few weeks before the pair were due to get married.

In a bid to help others suffering with the disease, Leona and a group of friends founded The Boom Foundation.

“My fiancé Philip died a year ago from sarcoma cancer, “explained Leona.

“To help me deal with my grief, I set up the Boom Foundation to raise funds to help other sarcoma sufferers and raise awareness of this particular cancer.

“Until The Boom Foundation there was very little support for sarcoma patients and their families. Many patients are really young people and feel they have no support outside the medical team.

“We have now set up a support network and self-help group and are having our first ever information day, ‘Living well with and Beyond Sarcoma’ this Friday, April 4h April at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim. The event is in partnership with Sarcoma UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.”

Over the last year Boom has raised over £70,000, fifty percent of which has gone to Sarcoma UK for research into the disease whilst the remaining funds are being used to support patients currently dealing with the trauma and treatment of the illness.

This weekend brave Leona will take on a challenge, the first of its kind in the Coleraine area, to mark the first anniversary of the charity - a firewalk in Coleraine Rugby Club.

“Being honest I wanted to do something which was challenging, empowering and fun to mark the first year of The Boom Foundation,” said Leona.

“The event is open to the public and I would encourage people to sign up through our facebook page (www.facebook.com/theboomfoundation) and join in the fun. For information visit www.facebook.com/theboomfoundation and sign up to attend the event.