A Norwich woman is taking part in her first marathon in memory of her sister-in-law who died in 1993 at the age of 20.
On May 2, Zoe Harcourt will line up with hundreds of others for the start of the Milton Keynes Marathon.
As well as recognising sister-in-law Tanya Harcourt’s battle against Cystic Fibrosis, Zoe will be raising money for the N&N Hospitals Charity to support children being treated for CF at the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital.
Zoe said: “This will be my first marathon. I recently completed a half marathon which was my first ever competitive race.
“I turned 50 last year and I was able to celebrate but I wanted to do something in Tanya’s memory for what would have been her 50th birthday on June 7 this year.”
Zoe’s daughter Jade, who now works at the N&N, was just a baby when Tanya died, and her son Liam never met his aunt.
Zoe said: “Tanya was a happy, bubbly and popular young girl. She lived life to the full even while spending a lot of her life in and out of hospital.
“She was an amazing auntie to Jade which was unfortunately cut very short as she passed away when Jade was only three months old.
“She fought long and hard battling this disease but unfortunately she lost, leaving a big hole in the hearts of her family and friends.
“Tanya’s mum, dad and brother are blown away by the support and donations that have been made in her memory.”
Catharine Moates, Lead Children’s CF/Respiratory Nurse Specialist, said: “We are so grateful to Zoe for choosing to support our department here at the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital in this wonderful tribute to Tanya on what would have been her 50th year.
“Thank you to everyone who has donated to support our young patients and we wish Zoe all the best for her marathon challenge.”
If you would like to support Zoe, visit her fundraising page here:
To find out more about the N&N Hospitals Charity please visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk
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Tanya Harcourt and Zoe Harcourt who is running a marathon to raise funds for Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital
