To Caroline & Zoe with love from Billy (dad)

I'm so proud to be your dad, you have had some amazing achievements so far in your life and this is your biggest physical challenge yet. I knew from the first minute I saw you that you would be special and you have proved me right and yet achieved so much more. 

When you came back and told me you wanted to try and achieve the marathon with Alex and James I thought this might be a step to far but yet again you have proved me wrong and found a way to do it anyway!

Can't wait to see you finish on Sunday with your smiling face. All my love dad xx 


Watching you supporting Zoe throughout her life has been a blessing, there have been hard times but times like this show and prove how much of a wonderful, loving and caring mother you are. We always knew Zoe would challenge her disability and here she is as a young adult taking her steps into the real world by doing the London Marathon still supported and guided by you. You have always been a strong and determined women and if she turns out half as amazing as you she really will challenge the world! All my love Bill xx

For Caroline, Zoe's mum

From Kirsty and Hayley 

Marathon day is approaching and although many people have been tunnelled visioned for this one day, our mum has relentlessly worked behind the scenes to make this day a success for Zoe, friends and family. Our mum is the most amazing woman on this planet, she gives generously, works tirelessly and smiles daily. Our mum is a very strong lady who has dealt with the roller coaster that is life in the most dignified way. Our mum never expected to have a disabled daughter, however since Zoe had arrived on this planet, she has not stopped fighting for everything in Zoe's life to be anything but perfect. She is a backbone and support system for anyone who has ever needed her in their lives and will continue to be Zoe's biggest supporter. Our mum won't be cheering Zoe on from the side lines, but like everything Zoe has done in her life, will be along side her doing it too! Well done mum you're amazing and We love you! Can't wait to be cheering you on xxx

Love
Kirsty and Hayley xxx

Our Zoe

Some thoughts, feelings & messages of encouragement for Zoe from her family. 

Enjoy this little surprise Zoe! J

The Sisters

Growing up with Zoe, as her older sister, has shown me a very different insight to the world, one I have treasured and looked on with pride. Her whole life she has always given her all and this challenge has been no different, it's pushed her to her limits and allowed her to grow physically and mentally in a way she hasn't had to before. The determination she has always had will push her to achieve this dream, supported by #teamzoe!

You taking on the marathon was never a shock, just a little surprising, but surprising has always been a part of you. You are a determined, strong independent young lady who inspires and touches everyone you meet. Good luck can't wait to see you at the finish line, love you, love Kirsty xx

As your sister I'm so proud of you and everything you've achieved in your life. You've grown from a little peanut into an extremely capable young woman who is ready to take on the world and fight for what is right. Even from a young age you've been extremely thoughtful and caring.

The marathon is such a huge challenge, however you've taken it in your stride and you won't let anything defeat you. Everywhere you go and everyone you meet is mesmerised with what an amazing person you are!  I can't wait to be cheering you on at the finish line!!! Love Hayley xx

The Cousins

Zoe, you are my biggest inspiration. I'm so so proud of you for taking this marathon on! I'm so lucky to have you as my cousin as well as my best friend who gives me happiness and motivation with the amazing things you do and achieve everyday. I'm so proud you've taken this challenge and I'll be here to support you all the way. Love you, Hannah xxx

When Zoe told us she was walking the marathon it didn't surprise me- amazing but not surprising. As a little girl growing up she was always breaking boundaries. On several occasions I remember being in the park with Zoe's mum, sisters and cousins and catching up with them only to find Zoe up a tree having been helped up by her sisters and cousins. I  won't forget the look on Caroline's face! They also found inventive ways of riding on a skateboard. Whatever Zoe does she goes about with a cheery attitude and a smile on her face. I have no doubt she will do her best at the marathon we will be cheering you on and will see you at the finish line. GO ZOE. Xx Jane

I want to wish you all the luck in the world for the marathon. Not that you're going to need it because you're the most fearless, inspirational and determined woman I've ever met. It's such an honour and privilege to be able to call you my family because I am so immensely proud of you. I'm so proud of how you constantly change people's perspectives. What you're doing in the marathon is proving to the world something that we as a family have always known, that you aren't what people expected of you, you are so much more than that. You have taken every challenge thrown at you in your life and you've smashed it, and I'm sure this will be no different. I can't wait to be there to cheer you on. Keep doing everything you're doing because you are such a superstar! Love you loads, Natasha xxx

Zoe, you are such an inspiration to all. What you have achieved is phenomenal and what you will achieve is unthinkable. As a cousin you are fun to be around, thoughtful and caring. As a friend you are funny, kind and an absolute inspiration to me. We have shared so many memories together, such as the infamous Butlins trip and your amazing 18th birthday celebrations. I can't wait to create more of these memories with you. Love you always, James x 

My cousin Zoe; who knew the tiniest baby I've ever met would grow into the biggest inspiration I know. Zoe never gives up, she's always on the go even when we were little she would get stuck into to whatever her older cousins were doing without hesitation. 

I will always remember the time that me and my sister helped (more like dragged) Zoe up the rock climbing wall to the next level in the soft play then through the rope bridges and up and over the different levels, never complaining and all with a massive grin on her face. 

Zoe's attitude to everything she does is amazing and I'm am extremely proud to call her my cousin. X Sam

I just want to say a little something about my amazing cousin!!!

Never would I believe anybody telling me she would be doing a marathon this year!!! I used to help her on and off with her splints. There are no words to describe the determination that Zoe has. If Zoe can do it then I hope it can inspire others that they can to. 

Please all take a read about Zoe's story and if you could any donations would be much appreciated it all goes to such an amazing cause. X Charlotte 

Zoe, you have been through thick and thin and never let yourself give up. You have been an amazing cousin as well as a best friend! You never let anyone down and your strong motivation pulls all of us closer together. From seeing us grow up together as kids to you taking on such life challenging experiences makes me being proud an understatement. You have made everyone so proud and I know you are going to beat this marathon with all our support behind you! Lots of love, Cameron x

This challenge highlights Zoe's strong and positive attitude towards anything she wants to do in life and I'm sure she'll achieve it all and more. Good luck Zoe, we'll all be cheering for you.x Myles 

We are incredibly proud of the challenge Zoe is undertaking. It just goes to show how much determination she has and what an inspiration she truly is. We wish you all the luck in the world Becky & Katie Xx

I think that Zoe is a very excellent cousin; she cares about other people and helps them if they need help. I think that Zoe is a bold, bright and a very brave person. She is always going that extra mile to challenge herself. Although she has cerebral palsy, she pushes herself to the limit and we are very proud of her.  I can’t wait to see her cross the finish line and have a big celebration!!

Louis, 13

Having a cousin like Zoe is amazing and I am very lucky to have her. She has a disability called cerebral palsy and is doing the London Marathon!! It’s very brave of her to do it as it is roughly 26 miles! She is raising money for a charity called Sparks (when she was born they helped her). I know that if Zoe can do it than other people can do it too!(even me! Lol) Zoe is always pushing herself to go even further and never gives up. She is a perfect role model for everyone and is an fabulous cousin.  I love her. Love from Lily, 10

Alex and James

I asked Alex and James if they would mind writing something for my blog to explain to everyone how they came to support me in this amazing way. Here's what they said - 

We attended the DB charity ball last November and we were fortunate enough to hear Zoe’s speech about her personal journey with cerebral palsy and to witness the resulting standing ovation. It was utterly inspirational and beautifully delivered. After her speech, Zoe told the table that she has always dreamt of running a marathon and buoyed by her inspiration tale and perhaps a few glasses of wine, we immediately signed up!

It’s hard to explain the magnitude of the mental and physical challenge that Zoe has undertaken, but we wanted our own efforts to come close to being commensurate with hers and as such, we are aiming to cover a marathon a day for each day she is on the road. We have both competed marathons before, well, our more youthful and athletic former selves have completed marathons before(!) but this will need every ounce of mental toughness to wake up aching morning after morning and get back on the road.

Sparks is an incredible charity that has a life changing impact on children from the very beginning of their lives and through into their childhood and we couldn’t think of a more worthy and poignant charity for us to support on this challenge.

While we are both anxious about the endeavour, Zoe will no doubt continue to provide more than ample inspiration and encouragement and we really are honoured to be walking beside her; even before she takes her first step the courage and ambition required to attempt something like this is something we can all learn from. Walking the final miles of her challenge on  the London Marathon course will be a very special occasion for all of us.

So far, we've raised nearly £60,000 for Sparks! I'm blown away. Thank you everyone, but please don't stop!

Donations

It's totally awesome to be so well supported to raise money for a charity like Sparks. I'm aware there's many risks to consider when a baby is born too soon or unwell. It feels so right to help support a charity who want to find solutions during the early stages of new life.

I'm a strong believer in early intervention if a problem arises, understanding, fixing or improving the situation has to be a top priority. Fundraising and supporting research is an investment into future generations. An investment to a brand-new life in the hope that the outcomes are positive.
Seeing the amazing figure rising on my JustGiving page to an incredible amount is unbelievable. It's so encouraging for me, as I know the amount of research projects this money will support.

I never ever thought that my desire to challenge myself and strive to do something so big, would be so well supported.
I appreciate every single penny and will walk tall with pride, knowing that people cared enough to put funds behind me, so that Sparks can help so many families.

I'm feeling so encouraged and empowered to face this challenge and will be thinking of the generous donors and the research projects during my challenge.

Thank you everyone and remember, what's totally amazing is there's still more time to raise even more money!