Zara raises £1,200 for NW Cancer Centre

Zara Dalton ran 10km everyday during the months of May and June, to complete the distance between Malin Head and Mizen Head.

She was inspired to take on the mammoth challenge to say thank you to the centre where her mum had been receiving cancer treatment.

Zara’s mum Esther was diagnosed with neck and throat cancer in January and had her chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During lockdown, Zara and her siblings were unable to be with their mum during her treatment as she was shielding.

However, she said that thankfully the staff of the cancer centre were there for her mother when the rest of the family are unable to be.

“They were supporting her the way we would be, they always said the right things to her and helped her through it.

“She is finished her treatment now and just has to get a scan to see how everything is, but she is doing brilliant.”

The mum of two started running two years ago and has completed a half marathon in the past.

After seeing other people doing fundraising challenges cycling the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head, the Shantallow woman decided she would run it.

She admits the challenge was ‘tough going’ by the end.

“I was really starting to feel it in my legs, but it has given me the running bug. I was glad to get a bit of break because I was tired, but I can’t wait to get out again.”

Zara’s mum surprised her on the final run and greeted her with a bunch of flowers.

“It was lovely to have her and my brother and sisters there.”

Zara said she is delighted by the amount of money she has raised for the cancer centre and wants her mum to be able to present it to staff there.

“I really can’t believe how much I raised, people have been so generous.”