The 2nd annual Alchemy Cup is set to take place on Thursday 10 August promising an action-packed day of sporting prowess and community spirit. This year’s event will be held in support of Young Lives vs Cancer with 10 enthusiastic teams from local businesses competing for glory on the fired.

Organised by Alchemy Technology Services, the event has been set up by James Deery, Technical Analyst, in memory of his friend, Oran Boyd, who sadly passed away from a rare blood condition called Severe Aplastic Anaemia (bone marrow failure) at just 18 years old.

James said “I’ve always wanted to do something to raise awareness for charities that are either local or not well known. This gave me the idea of a football event which would raise some money for charity, bring the local community together and show support to Oran’s family.”

Oran’s dad, Arnold Boyd,  said Young Lives vs Cancer provided “invaluable” support to them while Oran was undergoing treatment. “When Oran was first diagnosed and admitted to Belfast City hospital, we were given accommodation in Amy’s house, which is funded by Young Lives Vs Cancer. We stayed in this “home from home” for more than 11 months. Having two other children aged 14 and 8 were able to maintain some sort of normality when Oran was well enough to have them visit, meaning they were able to stay with us in Amy’s house. Young Lives Vs Cancer was invaluable for us.”

The 2023 Alchemy Cup will take place at St Columb’s College where there will be a tuck shop, coffee van, and raffle on the day.

James continued “I would like to thank all the companies involved again this year Alchemy Technology Services, Allstate, AXA NI, Metacompliance, Fintru, R Turner Cars, A Boyd Motors, PJD Body Repairs and Doherty’s Bakery. Without these teams and their company support the event would not be possible.

I would also like to give a shout out to sponsors St Columb’s College for donating the pitches, Donnybrook Estate Agents who have donated the footballs, McCauley Moto and Quacker.co who have donated money towards the goods for the tuck shop.

Finally, I would like to add a big thank you to everyone who has donated / helped get raffle prizes especially Derry City’s own James McClean for signing a signed Ireland Jersey for the raffle.” Other raffle prizes include a signed Ulster Rugby jersey, 6 tickets to Shane Todd in the Millennium Forum, signed Ricky Hatton boxing gloves plus much more.

Everyone is welcome to show their support for the teams and Young Lives vs Cancer on Thursday 10th August from 6-9pm.

Caption for pic: Organiser of the Alchemy Cup James Deery (centre) with teammates Ruairi Harkin displaying the signed James McClean jersey (left) and Daryl Mallett (right).