By Isle of Wight Observer
A 40-strong team will take on the 15km (9-mile) London ‘Tough Mudder’ on Sunday, in memory of Isle of Wight mum Zoe Panayi and to raise funds for Mountbatten.
The group will face more than 20 obstacles involving mud, water, climbing, crawling, and team work.
Friends, family, colleagues, and supporters will take part to remember Zoe, raise awareness of melanoma, and support Mountbatten.
Zoe died from melanoma in May 2020, aged just 26, leaving behind her two young sons. Her death inspired the campaign for Zoe’s Law, focused on melanoma awareness, prevention, and early detection.
Island businessman and Mountbatten trustee, Charlie Panayi, Zoe’s brother, is among those taking part.
He said: “Seeing 40 people willing to stand on that start line and take on 15km and more than 20 obstacles in Zoe’s memory is quite incredible.
“Every person wearing the Zoe’s Law shirt, talking about why they are doing it, sharing the fund-raising page, or telling somebody Zoe’s story helps us reach people we otherwise wouldn’t.
“We can’t change what happened to her, but together we can keep her memory alive, raise awareness of melanoma, and hopefully help other people while supporting the incredible work Mountbatten does for our community.”
Charlie added: “We’ll undoubtedly be wet, muddy, and exhausted by the end of it, but we’ll be doing it together, and we know exactly why we’re doing it.”
Money raised will support Mountbatten’s hospice and end-of-life care for patients and families across the Isle of Wight.
Tilly Walder