Sisters take to wheel in memory of mother

Sisters take to wheel in memory of mother

10 October 2012 - by BY DAVID TELFORD

TWO Crossgar sisters and their friends will be putting their driving skills to the ultimate test this weekend to raise funds for Marie Curie.

Amy and Moyra Blair are taking part in a ladies driving challenge at Kirkistown race circuit on Saturday and will be behind the wheels of an articulated lorry, a fire engine, an ambulance and a host of other vehicles.

Ten years ago, the sisters lost their mother Anne to cancer; she was just 42 when she died. To mark the 10th anniversary of her passing, Anne’s daughters hope to raise as much money as they can this weekend for the leading cancer charity.

Mrs. Blair was well known in the Crossgar and Downpatrick areas and her daughters, who have already raised £1,500 ahead of this weekend’s charity event, hope to reach their target figure of £2,000.

They have entered two teams of 10 for the Kirkistown event and will be joined by their many friends from the local area, in addition to a few from Scotland.

Amy has taken part in the driving challenge before and has raised money for Marie Curie in the past, but she and her sister wanted to do something a little bit extra to mark the 10th anniversary of their mum’s passing.

She continued: “Moyra and I were in a dilemma as to what to do to commemorate this strange occasion. As any mummy is, ours was amazing.

“She was always smiling and the one to make everyone laugh. She had a very bubbly personality and would always go the extra mile to help those in need. Most of all my mum was a bit mad, in Scotland we’d call her a ‘Bampot.’”

Amy explained she and Myra have invited some of their close friends who have helped them along what she described as a “tough journey” since their mum died, to join them for this weekend driving challenge.

“The money we raise will ensure people who need the support of Marie Curie will receive it. The support the organisation provides is priceless,” said Amy.

“I cannot express the difference the Marie Curie support made to our family and friends. Any financial support people can provide us with would be great. The money we raise is going to a very worthy cause. “

Amy added: “All donations will be gratefully received, with the money going to an extremely worthwhile cause to help others.”

Joining Amy and Myra on Saturday are their friends April Bowles, Aine McDarby, Estelle Gibson, Abi Dinsmore, Alexandra McCabe, Christine McCabe, Jillian Gregg and Jackie Turner.

Amy added: “We have been fortunate to secure generous support from a number of businesses and I want to thank them all. They are Crossgar firms DPE Embroidery, Retailworx, Whyte’s and Michael McClements Building Contractors, the David Blair School of Motoring and Corrigan’s Vehicle Hire in Belfast.”