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Cancer suffering mum Zoe is closer to holiday dream

by Hayley Robinson

A terminally ill woman's dreams are a step nearer to becoming reality thanks to a sponsored walk.

Mum-of-one Zoe Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2009, but after undergoing treatment was given the all-clear early last year.

Then, in February, the former Westlands School pupil was told the devastating news that the cancer had returned and this time it was terminal as it had spread to her lungs, lymph nodes and ovaries.

With time against her, the 35-year-old announced there were three things she wanted to do before she dies - marry her partner of 11 years Adrian Bullen, known as Adie, to have their seven-year-old daughter Frankie christened, and to go on a family holiday to Disneyland Paris.

Friends Tara Crossland and Lisa Johnson, both from Newington, and Kelly Edwards, from Faversham, arranged a sponsored walk which set off from Sittingbourne railway station on Saturday.

Lisa's dad Tony Smith also had his hair shaved off outside the station before the group of 20, including Zoe and Frankie, made their way to the High Street, where they rattled buckets at shoppers.

A total of £307 was raised on the day, with a further £100 donated by Shez Wood, from Sittingbourne, who had carried out a collection at pubs across Sittingbourne the previous evening.

Tara also donated £23 and Lisa £14 of their own money, which they raised by putting loose change in a jar at home.

It is hoped the sponsorship money from the walk and head shave, which is yet to be collected, will take them over the £1,000 mark. A quarter of the money raised from the walk will also go to the charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Tara said: "It was a brilliant day and Zoe was overwhelmed by it all."

n The fundraising will continue next month thanks to Zoe's friend Beverley Bromley, from Newington.

A fun day will be held at the Bull Inn pub, in Bull Lane, Newington, from 3pm on Saturday, May 7. Attractions will include a bouncy castle, face painting, stalls and a raffle.

Miss Bromley's partner Paul Murphy, 44, has also arranged a sponsored walk from Gravesend to the pub on the same day.

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