A Co Antrim mum is embarking on a fundraising challenge in memory of her brother who tragically died during a charity event.
Gareth Crockett from Moira was just 27 when he was knocked down and killed whilst attempting to complete a challenge in memory of his childhood friend who died from Leukaemia.
The Bel-Don challenge of completing four marathons and 500 miles of cycling over eight days came to a tragic and sudden ending when Gareth was hit by a car driven by an elderly man, whilst cycling in Wales.
Recalling the fateful day, his sister Alison Elder said Gareth had been so looking forward to completing the challenge in memory of a dear friend.
"We lost our childhood friend John Erwin to Leukaemia and he and Gareth were very close so he was so looking forward to completing the challenge in his memory.
"But sadly whilst cycling part of the route in Wales he was hit by a car driven by an elderly man, it was such a shock. Gareth was very fit and active he was a keen cyclist," added Alison.
Now, ten years on the 33-year-old is embarking on her own challenge in memory of her beloved brother.
Having just given birth to her second child matter of months ago, Alison is determined to walk 10k/6 miles every day in April along with her children.
She told Belfast Live: "I always wanted to do something in his memory. The year after he was killed my other brother Johnny he finished Gareth's the Bel-Don challenge, it was called the Bel-Don challenge because it was essentially Belfast to London.
"So they finished that and finished the last day by doing the Belfast marathon and my dad completed that with them.
"I always wanted to do something myself but I knew marathons and cycling were never for me and I thought this was the perfect time to do something as I was off work."
Alison, who lives in Lisburn is raising funds for the NI Charity Air Ambulance and believes the service is a vital one to have.
"I asked my mum and dad about it and they had things in mind they wanted to do but with the pandemic they didn't work out but they had discussed it and said they would like to raise money for the Air Ambulance.
"Whenever they said that I agreed as you just never know when you will need their services and I think they are only very partially funded by the government."
You can support Alison on her challenge by donating to the Go Fund Me page here.
