Zoe Diack
A north-east administration manager is taking part in a prestigious running event in memory of her mother.
Mum of one, Zoe Diack, 45, will be pounding the streets of London, to raise money for Cancer Research following the death of her mother from cancer at a young age.
The London Marathon on April 28 takes place almost 29 years to the day since Zoe lost her mum. Although she wasn’t keen on the sun or hot weather, Zoe’s mother died at the age of 37 of skin cancer when Zoe herself was just 16. When Zoe received her ballot place to take part in the marathon, and saw the significance of the date, just before the anniversary of her mum’s death, Zoe saw it as a sign that she could help other people not suffer the same fate.
Zoe has been running for over two years and decided to take up the challenge of running 26 gruelling miles to help her own fitness and health. She entered the ballot for the prestigious race and was surprised to receive a place. Although her place does not oblige her to raise money for a charity, Zoe asked Cancer Research if she could fundraise for them.
With less than a week to go before the event, Zoe has already exceeded her fundraising target, with over £1,000 raised to date. Donations from friends, family, colleagues and Zoe’s employer, Jasmine, came in without Zoe having to ask, many impressed by Zoe’s strict training regime.
She said: “I am excited and nervous about the London Marathon. I have trained well, and I’m as ready as I ever will be. Everyone tells me it’s a fantastic event and the support from the crowds get you round those last few miles. My family are all coming down to London from Aberdeen, and they will be positioned at strategic points along the route to give me some encouragement.”
Zoe’s boss Danny Cowie, managing director or Jasmine, commented: “We are really proud of Zoe who has worked really hard to get ready for the marathon. Jasmine is delighted to support her, and we will be watching on the day.”
To support Zoe, visit her fundraising page.