‘Alan Against Adversity’ Bittersweet memories drive inspiring campaign

A VICTIMS’ advocate who lost her brother in the 1998 Omagh bomb has established a foundation in his memory, to encourage and support people facing challenges.

Claire Monteith has driven the campaign for justice for all families bereaved by terrorist atrocities, not just that which robbed her much adored older brother Alan Radford of life.

Last Friday would have been Alan’s 40th birthday. Instead, it became a bittersweet day of remembrance but within that, the beginning of his official legacy. Claire decided it was time to harness the vast positives from her brother’s all-too-short life, to inspire others struggling with challenges.

From that, ‘Alan Against Adversity’ was born.

She said, “Alan and I were very close and that doesn’t stop because his life was stolen away. Over the years of anger, frustration, grief, disbelief, disappointment and all the other awful experiences which come with such brutal tragedy, Alan’s strength of character kept me going. It’s that strength which needs to be reflected in others and seen for what it is.

“My beloved brother was brutally murdered on August 15, 1998 in our home town whilst shopping with our mother. Ironically, that day he was planning for his future at college and was going to open a new bank account.”

A student in Omagh High School, Alan was due to receive his GCSE results the following week, but never got to see them. Instead, Claire received them on his behalf.

‘CARING SOUL’

“I was only one year below Alan, so I was starting my own GCSE year. Life has never been the same, not in school, not at home, nowhere. He was a beautiful, kind, caring soul. He had a strong interest in history, particularly the Titanic legacy, and loved music, laughter and people – most of all his mother and family.”

To Claire, Alan was already her hero, not just as her big brother but in his selflessness, she eagerly watched him engage in.

“Alan was helping others from cleaning houses, babysitting, popping to the shops, cutting grass even though he had the worst hay-fever known to man. He was a model student with great manners and his radiance shone as did the good in his heart.

“Alan faced his own personal struggles including suffering bullying for being individual, not the stereotypical male teen. Despite all, he overcame adversity, continued on and simply never gave up. He didn’t turn him into something he wasn’t but stayed true to
himself and his values and did not quit.”

The ‘Alan Against Adversity’ award was formally handed over to Omagh High School and will be presented at this year’s prizegiving ceremony.

Claire said, “It’s purpose is to honour and remember Alan, celebrate his life and acknowledge those who face challenges.

“This is the first step of the initiative which will develop into a wider arena.”

Omagh High School principal Christos Gaitatzis said, “Alan was in the last part of his academic studies he was tragically killed. He was a very helpful pupil and he worked hard to overcome his own challenges. Alan is commemorated on our memorial plaque and always remembered by the staff who knew him.”

Claire concluded, “My hope remains to help where help is need in Alan’s honour, to fight for justice, truth and a better future for our next generation. No matter what, his heart will go on. Nothing and no-one can take that away from him.”

By Tanya Fowles, Local Democracy Reporter