Money is raised for charity in memory of Wallace teacher Bill

Wallace High School recently had a visit from Pancreatic Cancer UK nurses after raising a fantastic for £13,550 for the charity.
The five pupils from The Wallace High School who ran the Belfast marathon recently in aid of Pancreatic Cancer.The five pupils from The Wallace High School who ran the Belfast marathon recently in aid of Pancreatic Cancer.
The five pupils from The Wallace High School who ran the Belfast marathon recently in aid of Pancreatic Cancer.

Nurses Dianne and Jeni were making a brief visit to Northern Ireland said they were “utterly overwhelmed by the size of the donation”.

The school is well known for its pupils’ passion for charity but its success in raising funds for pancreatic cancer has exceeded all expectations.

The tragic catalyst to the donation made by Wallace High to the fund was the illness and death of Mr Bill Wilson, the school’s Head of Mathematics and a Senior Teacher.

Pancreatic Cancer nurses Diane and Jeni  with Wallace High School Charity Co ordinator Laura Topley and Mrs June Wilson, as well as four of the five pupils who ran the Belfast marathon relay for the charity recently.Pancreatic Cancer nurses Diane and Jeni  with Wallace High School Charity Co ordinator Laura Topley and Mrs June Wilson, as well as four of the five pupils who ran the Belfast marathon relay for the charity recently.
Pancreatic Cancer nurses Diane and Jeni with Wallace High School Charity Co ordinator Laura Topley and Mrs June Wilson, as well as four of the five pupils who ran the Belfast marathon relay for the charity recently.

Bill was also renowned in Northern Ireland for his service to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme; he had been closely associated with the Wallace unit for his entire career of 39 years, leading it with distinction for many of those years.

Bill died on November 19 2013.

During a six week period concluding on New Year’s Eve, pupils, former pupils, family and friends donated to the school’s online donation page raising a phenomenal sum.

June Wilson met Jeni and Dianne at the school and paid tribute to both the work of the charity and all those who have ensured Bill is remembered.

Pancreatic Cancer nurses Diane and Jeni recently visited The Wallace High School and received a cheque for £13,550. Also included are Wallace Principal Mrs Deborah O'Hare and Mrs June Wilson.Pancreatic Cancer nurses Diane and Jeni recently visited The Wallace High School and received a cheque for £13,550. Also included are Wallace Principal Mrs Deborah O'Hare and Mrs June Wilson.
Pancreatic Cancer nurses Diane and Jeni recently visited The Wallace High School and received a cheque for £13,550. Also included are Wallace Principal Mrs Deborah O'Hare and Mrs June Wilson.

She said: “I know he would be both delighted and astonished by the generosity of the people from this community who have donated such a large amount in his memory.

“Through these donations, many more people will benefit than Bill could ever have imagined.

“I would also like to thank the charity which I found on line immediately after Bill’s diagnosis.

“It was exactly what I was looking for-a very informative, supportive online forum, available to both patients and carers.

“I found this service invaluable through the darkest of times.”

Bill was held in the very highest regard by staff and pupils alike.

On the May Day holiday the Bill Wilson Memorial Walk took place in the Mourne Mountains. Masterminded by Vice Principal David Cleland the event was a great success with over £3,000 being raised.

On the same date a team of Year 13 students Neil Kilpatrick, Andrew Irvine, Lewis Kirk, Luke Thompson and Rachel McMurray) ran the Belfast Marathon in Bill’s memory raising over £1,000.

Later this year Bill’s close friend Colin Henderson will complete the Mourne Wall walk also in Bill’s memory.

Principal Deborah O’Hare said: “Our school motto of Esperance, which means hope, is a living ideal in Wallace.

“We both hope and believe that great good can come from this practical outpouring of affection for a colleague who was much loved.”

For more information please visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk

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