A Great Dunmow woman will be taking part in an annual fundraiser to say ‘thank you’ to the hospice which cared for her best friend during her final weeks.

Dunmow Broadcast: Zoe (far left) and Louise (second from left) celebrating their friend’'s Hen Night.Zoe (far left) and Louise (second from left) celebrating their friend’'s Hen Night. (Image: Archant)

Louise Keeble along with other friends of Zoe’s has entered the Walk for Life in support of the work of Farleigh Hospice.

Staff at the Chelmsford facility had cared for Zoe Stoney, 48, who was married to Richard Stoney, and helped her to spend her last few weeks at home, surrounded by loved ones.

Louise, of Woodlands Park, said: “People think a hospice is where someone goes to die but it is so much more than that.

“When Zoe went there we didn’t think she would be coming back out but the staff were incredible.

“During her time there she was cared for, loved, encouraged and finally strong enough to be able to come home, all because of the help she received.

“When she came home she still received support, when needed, which we are very grateful for.”

Zoe was diagnosed with a brain tumour on New Year’s Day, and was told soon after there would be no cure.

After weeks in hospital she was sent to the hospice.

Staff nursed her enough that she was able to go back to her home in Great Dunmow. She died at the hospice on Sunday.

Louise has known Zoe for 25 years after they met at Air UK where they both worked – and they became best friends.

Louise told the Broadcast: “She was an amazing woman. We went through thick and thin, highs, lows, laughs. We went through everything.

“We were always there for each other.

“It didn’t matter if we did not see each other for a week or two, it was always still the same with us.”

The Walk for Life is on May 11. There will be two scenic routes on the day – a longer 23km route from Heybridge Basin to Chelmsford which sets off between 8.30am and 10.30am, and a shorter 10.5km route from Paper Mill Lock to Chelmsford, which starts between 9.30am and midday.

Louise said: “We think the staff at Farleigh Hospice are a very special breed.

“I am grateful for the wonderful work it does and wanted to raise some money to allow this caring work to continue. It is what Zoe wanted.”

To sponsor Louise and her team of walkers, visit justgiving.com/thelifeofbrian.

To take part in Walk for Life visit farleighhospice.org/walkforlife and register online. There is a £10 registration fee.