A family raised more than £2,000 for charity with a clay pigeon shoot in memory of their daughter Alison.
Julie Phelan, Alison’s mum, organised the shoot, which was the 11th of its kind and attracted 62 guns despite very heavy rain.
Mrs Phelan said: “We have always been lucky with the weather for the clay pigeon shoot and some people have even suffered sunburn in the past.
“We were dreading the rain as we closely watched the weather forecast every day during the lead-up to this event.
“The conditions were horrible but everyone got on with it and had a great time nonetheless.”
Julie and Gary, from Stanmore, lost their seven-year-old daughter Alison to a brain tumour in 2001, which prompted the family to set up the Ali’s Dream charity to raise money to fund research into childhood brain tumours.
Geoff French, from North Harrow, and his team The French Connection, won the novice team shield at the event on Sunday, April 29, and have been taking part since the event started.
Mrs Phelan added: “It is always great to see our loyal supporters turning up year after year and to greet newcomers.
“It was particularly pleasing that Geoff and his team should finally win. Geoff and his wife Carrie have been close friends of our family for many years and supported us during Ali’s illness and ever since.”
Over the years the clay pigeon shoot, which is held at a farm in Padbury, Buckinghamshire, where Alison used to visit her aunt and uncle, has raised more than £30,000.
On June 7, the anniversary of Alison’s death, a new charity badge will be released to buy. A new one is released every year.
Every year, staff and pupils from her school, St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Dobbin Close, Kenton, dedicate a day to Alison’s memory by holding fundraising events on or near her birthday, June 25.
nIf you wish to join in future events, make a donation or add your support in any way, call Julie Phelan on 020 8863 6068 or visit www. alisdream.f2s.com.
