Cancer charity The Boom Foundation was set up in April 2013 by Leona Rankin of Carson McDowell Solicitors, having lost her fiancé to Sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue and bone cancer, only six weeks before their wedding day.

Sinead McKeagney BL, chair of the Bar’s charity committee, spoke at the launch of the partnership, which will see members of the Bar raise funds for the charity through a variety of events.

She said: “We are thrilled to be supporting The Boom Foundation in their work as the only charity in Northern Ireland dedicated to supporting patients suffering from sarcoma cancer.

“The committee was struck by Leona’s story and wanted to join her mission to tackle the lack of support for this ‘forgotten cancer’.

“All funds raised go directly towards research and support activities and it is our sincere hope that we can make a real difference to the lives of patients here in Northern Ireland.”

Ms Rankin, director of the Boom Foundation, added: “The Boom Foundation is really excited to partner with The Bar of Northern Ireland and work closely with them as their ‘Charity of the Year 2016-17’ as our charity is closely linked to the legal profession.

“Boom is the only charity in Northern Ireland offering support to sarcoma patients and is a voluntary run charity with no overheads.

“50 per cent of the money raised is used in Northern Ireland, offering practical support and assistance to patients. The remaining 50 per cent goes to Sarcoma UK to fund vital research into sarcoma and its treatment. So all the fundraising efforts of the Bar Library members will go directly to those affected.”