A FAMILY fun day returned to Deeside Leisure Centre yesterday in memory of a brave woman who lost her battle with cancer.
More than 400 people turned out for the second annual Family Fun and Fitness Festival in honour of Zoe Martin, a former member of staff with Flintshire Council’s sports development team, who died in July, 2011, aged just 32.
She had moved to live in Australia but returned to Hawarden after being diagnosed with cancer.
All proceeds raised from the event will go to Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham, where Zoe, a keen athlete and gymnast, was treated before she died, surrounded by family and friends.
Members of the public both young and old got involved with a range of classes at the festival, including football, gymnastics and zumba.
Event organiser Julie Rice- Williams, said she was very happy with the turnout.
She said: “It’s gone really well and all the classes have been booked up.
“We’ve had 400 through the door this morning and we’ve got more classes throughout the week.
“We’ve had lots of people donating and Zoe’s mum joined us this morning. She’s just so grateful for the support.
“Zoe was a very sporting person, she was an athlete and gymnast and was involved in sports for years.
“We want to do it as an annual event in Zoe’s memory.
“We raised £1,500 last year and we’re hoping to do the same again.”
She added: “It’s great that everyone has given up their time on a voluntary basis.
“If anybody would like to make donations they would be gratefully received.”
Further classes are being held at Deeside Leisure Centre up until Sunday and at Mold, Flint, Holywell and Buckley Leisure Centres on various days of the week.
All of the sessions need to be booked in advance at a cost of £1, which will go to Nightingale House.
To book call 01352 702430 or 01352 702437.