Zohar, whose name quite literally translated to brightest spark, was exactly that. We are raising funds for The Zohar Dean Trust which was set up in memory of our much loved Zohar who tragically passed away in June 2022.

***

Zohar was a lot of things to many people. He was lots of different things to me at different points in my life. He was my friend, then my school mate, my co-leader, then my best friend, eventually my boyfriend, but above all, he was my favourite person in the world.

Losing Zohar has been indescribably painful, everyday since has been a struggle and I don’t really have the words to express what the past 9 months have looked like grieving him. The complex feelings of disbelief, anger, heartbreak and then also gratitude and joy to have experienced something so special with someone so special, that I know some never do. As Zohar’s mum has described it to me, it’s the duality of both sides, love and loss. Together we are all on a journey of trying to pick up the pieces which are left whilst also making peace with the parts of us which have died too.

In December, with the help of my amazing sister Rosa, with Saph, Zohar’s incredible sister and Zohar’s good friend Adam we launched The Zohar Dean Trust and I have now decided it is time I pull my weight with the fundraising side!

That is why Tilly, Annie and I have decided to undertake the W Trek in Chile. Hiking 75 Kilometres through Patagonia in 5 days. We are doing it, unguided carrying everything we will need ourselves. It feels a very apt way to honour Zohar, we loved hiking and camping together, and spent many summers doing so. He loved an adventure, the outdoors, pushing me to do my best and I know when it gets cold and hard we’ll feel him with us driving us through.

I know the current financial climate is tough, but any donations would be so appreciated. We set up The Zohar Dean Trust to honour Zohar’s memory and to continue his impact. All proceeds go to ensure that young people can continue to have enriching experiences, similar to one’s that Zohar cherished so much in his life. Check out our instagram to learn more about our beneficiaries. So much love to you all & do me a favour and give your closest a hug when you next see them💜

Martha xx

***

I have never met someone quite like Zohar, he was one of a kind. He bought joy, light and often ridiculous humour to all of our lives - moments I will treasure forever. I don’t think I’ll ever meet someone so optimistic that everything would work out okay, a trait I teased him for and was in awe of.

The day we were all meant to move house into third year, he hadn’t sorted out how to move out all his things or where to stay that night but he wasn’t worried at all. In true Zohar fashion, I saw him an hour later with a trolley, announcing his landlord had let him move in a day early, just by chance. We will all be trying to channel some of his positivity and determination during this trek, especially after the 4th day of eating lukewarm porridge in the dark!

I have so much love leftover after Zohar’s death, as does everyone who knew and misses him. The Zohar Dean Trust was set up in December to continue his legacy and allow people to translate their love for him into meaningful action.

Everyone’s success was his success, so I have no doubt he’d be so proud and impressed by us for camping and hiking 75k in 5 days. If you’re impressed with us too, any donations would be so appreciated and go to the amazing ZDT beneficiaries: charities supporting and empowering disadvantaged young people, causes very close to Zohars heart ❤️

Tilly xxx

***

When I was thinking of what to write about Zohar I found it hard to put my thoughts into words. Those of us who were lucky enough to know and love him, and be loved by him in turn, miss him everyday. His energy was infectious, he and I managed to waste hours arguing over countless nonsensical topics including the finer points of whether evolution constituted magic. His passion and resoluteness that he was right, regardless of the subject, forced me to think differently about things just to one up him. His sense of freedom and enjoyment encouraged those around him to do the same. I remember him spinning me around a dance floor at Henley, challenging me to a Russian dance off with his kicks getting closer to my face each time. Amongst the stiff striped jackets of the boaters around us we laughed and laughed and laughed. In classic Zohar style, this occurred only minutes before he got kicked out for jumping the gate at the party he was already attending. Being Zohar’s friend was a joy. It was always interesting, fun and spontaneous. You never knew what was going to come out of his mouth next or what scheme or idea he would try to rope you into. I was incredibly lucky to have the time with him that I did. Fundraising for The Zohar Dean Trust is a way to honour his memory and support the causes which were close to his heart. Anything that you can spare would be greatly appreciated. Wish us luck & give us a fiver!

Annie xxx