WENDY Parry, the mother of 12-year-old IRA bomb victim Tim Parry, is on top of the world after completing the biggest challenge of her life by reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to mark the 18th anniversary of her son’s death.
Wendy, co-founder of The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, reached the top at 5.20am today with her daughter Abbi, as part of a team of four from the Peace Centre.
They felt “on top of the world” after reaching the summit of Africa’s highest mountain standing at 5,895 metres [19341 ft.] – on the exact 18th anniversary of Tim’s death.
Tim passed away four days after the Bridge Street bombing which also claimed the life of three-year-old Johnathan Ball.
Other members of the team who successfully completed the challenge are Kelly Simcock, a Foundation Programme Manager and Alan McKie, one of the charity’s many supporters.
They hope to raise £20,000 for the charity based at Warrington Peace Centre.
The team over came appaling weather conditions in the early stages of the five day climb as they faced torrential rain.
Commenting on the achievement of his wife and daughter Colin said: “‘I am absolutely thrilled with, and proud of, my wife Wendy and my daughter Abbi on meeting the awesome challenge that they set themselves…of climbing Mount Kilamanjaro, at 19000+ feet, the highest mountain on the African continent.
“They undertook the challenge to raise money for Tim and Jonathan’s Peace Foundation and, accompanied by Kelly Simcock who works with us at the Foundation and Alan McKie, a life time friend and former business colleague of mine, we hope to raise a sum as close to £20,000 as we can.
“Neither Wendy nor Abbi has ever done anything remotely as tough as this before and bearing in mind that they had to get themselves fitter thatn they have ever been before, it says so much about their commitment and dedication.
“Finally, for Tim’s Mum and Sister to stand at the summit of Mt.Kilamanjaro on the very day of the 18th anniversary of Tim’s death, adds enormously to the emotional significance of their achievement. As I said to them as they left home last week, when you get to the summit, you will be closer to Tim than any of us has been for more than 18 long years.”
The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace was set up by Colin and Wendy Parry following the death of the two boys after the IRA bombed Warrington in 1993. Wilf and Marie, Johnathan’s parents, gave their full support to the organisation.
The Peace Centre (Warrington) is a unique LIVING legacy and memorial to Tim and Johnathan. It was built with local, national and international support.
To make a donation visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/foundation4peace
Picture shows Wendy and Kelly Simcock setting off from the Peace Centre
2 Comments
Well done on your fantastic achievement to Wendy, Abbi, Kelly and Alan from all the team at warrington-worldwide
I hope many people donate to this wonderful charity that helps not just young people but adults who have been affected by violent conflict and terrorism. The work of the Peace Centre and the dedication of the staff who work there should be applauded.