Zoe is taking on the London Marathon to Support Nightingale Macmillan Unit in Derby

Zoe Brown, from Ashbourne in Derbyshire, is taking part in this year’s London Marathon to raise funds for Derby’s Nightingale Macmillan Unit.

A keen sportswoman, Zoe has always enjoyed sport, keeping fit and healthy and has played football since she was 13. In 2017, Zoe completed the Great North Run and decided to enter the London Marathon this year to challenge herself, which she says it definitely has done. 

As taking part in the London Marathon presents an opportunity for runners to raise funds for a cause close to their heart, Zoe has chosen Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity with all donations going to the Nightingale Macmillan Unit.  Zoe said, “My partner’s uncle Mark stayed in the unit before sadly losing his battle with bowel cancer in February this year. His wife Caroline chose the NMU for my fundraiser, due to the amazing care Mark received during his time there.”

Since deciding to take on the London Marathon, Zoe has been truly overwhelmed by the amount of people who have sponsored her. Originally, she aimed to raise £500 but has now managed to double the target which Zoe says is absolutely incredible. “I’m so grateful for all the love and support I’ve received so far.” Said Zoe.

Speaking about what motivated her to raise money for The Nightingale Macmillan Unit, Zoe said, “It’s a huge sense of achievement and very rewarding knowing you’re running the distance for such an amazing cause. I know how well Mark was looked after during his time on the Nightingale Macmillan Unit, so giving something back to help support with their facilities, and future development, is a pleasure.“

Jill Matthews, Chief Officer at Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, said, “I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Zoe for choosing to raise funds for us by running the London Marathon.  Every year we get to meet wonderful fundraisers like Zoe, who train very hard for sports and community events, whilst raising vital funds for our charity.  Every penny that Zoe raises running the London Marathon will go to the Nightingale Macmillan Unit which provides specialised palliative care to patients with progressive illnesses, offering comfort and support in their time of need.   As a charity team, we will be looking out for her on TV and cheering her on.”

As Sunday April 21 approaches, Zoe is now taking on long runs to prepare her for the miles she’ll face in London.   “Without a doubt the training has definitely been a whole lot harder than I had imagined. Those long runs have been a huge mental challenge as well as a physical one, which I was certainly not prepared for! When I hit my brick walls (several of them), I think of the reason I’m doing this, and how Mark would probably think how crazy I am for tackling a marathon!” added Zoe. 

On the day itself, Zoe will be well supported in London by her partner Charlie, sister Holly and her partner Scott, as well as their friends Kirsty, Dan, Jordan and Sam.  “I know they’ll all be cheering me on, encouraging me to get to the finish line so we can all go (well, they’ll probably be carrying me!) to the pub afterwards for a well-deserved drink.” Said Zoe 

For those wishing to raise funds for Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, there are a number of sports and challenge events available for booking on their website www.dbhc.org.uk/events   

To sponsor Zoe, please visit her Just Giving page using the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/zoebrown3