THE news that Allison Wright is responding well to a new cancer drug will be welcomed across the district and beyond.

For the likeable 55-year-old from Prudhoe made quite a name for herself across the country and abroad in archery circles.

She was a latecomer to the sport, having not picked up a bow until about five years ago.

The Courant’s sports pages have followed Allison’s progress, and her regional, national and international achievements before last year’s diagnosis are well worth celebrating.

After taking up the sport, Allison quickly began breaking records at local and county level, and winning prestigious titles.

Her progress was so rapid, that Allison was called up to represent Great Britain at the World Championships, in Canada, in September 2019.

It followed a superb score a of 667 at a tournament Deer Park Archers, in Cheltenham, and a prolific day in the instinctive bow class, at Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders, when she became a national champion with a score of 665.

Earlier in the year, she had arrowed her way to her second national title, winning the over 50s category at the British Barebow Indoor Championships.

Allison’s memorable 2019 was recognised at the prestigious Sport Tynedale Awards, at Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure Centre, when she was crowned sportswoman of the year.

Proudly receiving her trophy on the Sport Tynedale stage from Hexham Golf Club’s head professional Andy Paisley, Allison declared she was thrilled by the recognition.

Notable titles in 2018 had included the National Field Archery Society’s national championships in Plymouth, and the 24th FITA Field County Championships for Northumberland and Durham, at Netherwitton near Morpeth.

Speaking this week, Allison said she had been touched by the support she had received from within archery.

“The archery community has been so kind all the way through. I received a lovely cake just before Christmas and everybody has been so loving, generous and supportive.”

Last summer, an online fund-raising campaign saw the public raise over £7,200 to transform the couple’s garden at home into a peaceful haven for Allison to enjoy precious family time.

Allison was blown away by the generosity of people, including local businesses who carried out the work.

“I know I can’t pick up a bow,” she said. “I’ll never say never but the most important thing is taking one day at a time and making the most of it.”