Wallace fundraising goes from strength to strength

This figure takes no account of the sponsorship for the recent Lisburn fun run where over 40 pupils took part in memory of former pupil Briagh Hull.

Wallace has a long association with Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children, teacher Paul McCabe began supporting the charity at the age of 17, and his fundraising over the years has seen him replicate Houdini’s stunts, most notable escaping from a straitjacket. Under the stage name Paul Ormonde, he performed to a packed venue this year, raising almost £2,000 for the charity and Briagh’s memory fund.

In the 20 plus years that Wallace has been involved in Read On, the school has raised an amazing £91,000. In her presentation, the charity’s schools’ fundraiser Ruth Hobson told her attentive audience about the very real benefits sick children and their families will experience because of the generous donation from the school.

The top fundraisers in Year 8 and 9 are Nikhita Dowie and Jamie Dowie, and in Year 10 Bethany Henry, Jenny Johnston and Rachel Noble represented the year group. The girls, along with Ruth Hanna, have played a key role in fundraising in Briagh’s memory.

The school is currently working with local artist Ross Wilson to create a piece celebrating Briagh’s life and are looking forward to unveiling it during the next school year.

Principal Deborah O’Hare said: “Wallace students are well known for their commitment to charitable causes. We know from experience the marvellous work the charity does and we look forward to continuing our association with the charity.”

The top fundraising class 8V will visit the charity’s facilities in Newcastle in Autumn to see for themselves the results of their generous giving.