Sister's tough mudder in brother's memory

Zoe Burnell, and Rosie Richardson, aged 25, from Boxmoor, Hannah Welton, aged 25, from Gadebridge, and Yvette Gungadoo, aged 20, from Apsley, took part in the endurance event on May 22 at Belvoir Castle, in Grantham.

The friends took on the fundraising challenge after Zoe’s brother, Adam, died from osteosarcoma, a rare form of primary bone cancer.

Adam, who attended Kings Langley School, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 16. After nine months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and the amputation of his left leg, Adam sadly passed away in July 2015.

Zoe said: “In August 2014 my little brother Adam was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left leg just above the knee.

“At 17 years old, with a passion for bike riding and martial arts, his whole life was turned around.

“Although he was unable to carry on doing the things he loved, his bravery, attitude and determination was amazing.

“Bone cancers are very difficult to treat effectively.

“Sadly, we lost Adam but we are determined to help improve the outcome for others in the future.”

The friends raised £2,828 from their Tough Mudder, and have raised a total of £4798 from events, starting with a disco party at Hemel Hempstead Cricket club in April.

Zoe’s friend Jessica Gilden was also sponsored to have 12in of her hair cut off, which was donated to the Little Princess Trust, which supplies wigs to children undergoing chemotherapy.

See www.justgiving.co.uk/zoe-burnell24/