Warriors walk in memory of teenager

The family of a 19-year-old from Kent who died from a rare cancer are taking part in a charity walk in his memory and to thank the hospice staff who supported him.

Under the team name Zane's Warriors, his dad Mart, stepmother Mia, friends and other relatives are doing the 13-mile (20.9km) trek as part of Hospice in the Weald's Moonlight Walk.

They say they were inspired by the teenager who was the "true definition of making the most of the time you have" after being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer of the bones and soft tissues, when he was 15.

Moonlight Walk takes place on Saturday with a choice of four-mile, eight-mile or 13-mile routes from Sevenoaks Rugby Club through Knole Park.

The family said the hospice went the extra mile to ensure Zane could make the most of every moment, and now his loved ones want to do the same for the charity by helping it to raise funds.

Staff had organised a 19th birthday party, Halloween celebrations and staged an early Christmas for Zane before he died in November.

Zane's dad Mart said the hospice had provided comfort in the heartbreaking months before they had to say goodbye.

"Although it was an incredibly sad time, I felt a massive sense of relief because I knew he was going to be looked after," he said.

"We could just spend time with him. The most precious thing we have. Just as parents, brothers, sisters – everyone could just come along and be there for him.

"They didn't just give him medical care, they read to him, joked with him, watched telly with him. They helped Zane to live even though he was dying - that's something really special."

After receiving treatment, Zane initially went into remission, but in 2024 his cancer returned and the family were given the devastating news that it was terminal.

"He decided not to have more treatment as by then he knew it wouldn't save his life," said Mart.

"He wanted to live life and make the most of everything he could. He learnt to drive and passed his driving test, so he could go out with his mates and have a laugh."

He added: "If he can go through 16 rounds of chemo and 28 days of radiotherapy and an 11-hour surgery, I think we can walk 13 miles."

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