Queen’s Student Determined to Find Cancer Cure in memory of Alison Williamson

Queen’s Student Determined to Find Cancer Cure in memory of Alison Williamson

Harmony Black recently graduated from Queen’s University with a first class honours in Biomedical Science. But it won’t be long before she’s back to start a PhD at the University’s Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology after being awarded the Alison Williamson / Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI PhD studentship.

Alison Williamson died last year from cancer at only 31 years old, survived by her husband and two young children. In her memory, her husband Barry Williamson climbed the four highest mountains in the UK in 48 hours, raising over £55,000 to fund research into blood cancers including leukaemia, myeloma, and lymphoma.  Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI used the funding to set up the Alison Williamson PhD studentship to drive vital research in this area.

During her final year at Queen’s, Harmony successfully applied for the PhD studentship to carry out research into repair mechanisms for blood cancers. On receiving the award, she said: “I feel incredibly grateful to have received this award, not only because it allows me to continue working in the lab and doing research in the field of blood cancers, which I am very passionate about, but it’s also a very personal award, as I am continuing research to find a cure in the memory of Alison Williamson and for many others like her. I’m looking forward to continuing my education at Queen’s and I’m determined to honour Alison’s memory to make a difference to those suffering from blood cancers.”