I am delighted to be running this marathon for the Teenage Cancer Trust Remember Zoe fund. I heard about this through a friend, Alan Biggar, who is undertaking the Drive For Zoe in June this year. One of Alan's colleagues, Sharon King, had lost her only child, Zoe, to cancer just five days before her 18th birthday in September last year.
Sharon and her husband John, together with Edinburgh fundraiser, Lynne McNicoll, set up the TCT Remember Zoe fund shortly after Zoe's death. All funds raised through Remember Zoe and Drive For Zoe go towards building a specialist Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at the Western General Hospital or the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. Zoe was also passionate to help teenagers who had lost their hair due to chemotherapy, as she had. A percentage of TCT Remember Zoe funds go towards the better wigs campaign.
Teenage Cancer Trust is a charity dedicated to helping teenagers fight cancer. Zoe had been fighting cancer for three years and had been treated at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. The staff are fantastic but the facilities aren't appropriate for teenagers.
Cancer is the most common cause of death at this age. Incidence rates are now higher in teenagers and young adults than in children, yet survival rates fall behind those of children and older adults. Teenage Cancer Trust exists to ensure that teenagers and young adults are diagnosed efficiently, treated effectively, and have the support they need to make it through their treatment and rebuild their lives after cancer.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Teenage Cancer Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
So please sponsor me now!
Many thanks for your support.
Hugh
