Allison Wright, who has died at the age of 58, was a familiar face in field and 3D archery. Her passion for the sport saw her make friends all over the world while living with long-term illness.
Allison was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare type of lung cancer, in 2020 after tests showed that her breathing problems were not Covid related. Given six to eight months to live, she said she was not worried as it was not in her nature. Instead, she focused on the chance to participate in a new drug trial for her condition and doing her sport whenever she felt well enough.
She was no stranger to the impact of cancer: her dad and two sisters died of it in their forties, and Allison herself overcame breast cancer in her twenties.
Writing about her archery journey in 2022 to celebrate International Women’s Day, Allison said she never expected to be good at archery, which she took up at the age of 50. But she said perseverance paid off, at one time she held 11 indoor county records and won six national titles. She shot with both Riverside Archers and Butsfield Bowmen in the North East, and mainly used an American flatbow and barebow.
She competed internationally at the 3D World Championships, where she just lost out to making it through to the semi-finals. Mal Williams, Team Manager for the Canada trip, said: "Allison was a member of the 2019 team representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the 3D World Championships in Lac la Biche, Canada, shooting in the Instinctive category.
"Although it was her first time as a team member, Allison quickly became an integral part of the team. Her excitement, enthusiasm, and her determination to do well shone through from the very beginning of the trip. In typical Allison fashion she made many, many friends from around the world and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
"She was quietly determined to qualify for the team the following year but sadly her illness and the pandemic struck, and she did not get another chance. Instead, Allison spent her time and energy supporting and encouraging others from the sidelines and has been an inspiration to many. She will be greatly missed."
Allison’s funeral will take place on Monday 11 March, at 11am at St Mary Magdalene Church in Prudhoe.
Her family said any donations made to St Oswald’s Hospice would be greatly appreciated.
