AddThis SmartLayers

Journalist to run half-marathon in memory of former weekly editor partner

Zena OA magazine boss is set to run a half-marathon in memory of his partner – a weekly newspaper editor who died from cancer.

Devon Life editor Andy Cooper is raising funds for charity in honour of Zena O’Rourke, pictured left, who edited the Cornish Guardian and the Somerset County Gazette before she passed away in June aged 53.

Andy, himself a former weekly newspaper editor, is running the Taunton Half Marathon on 2 April together with a number of friends to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK and St Margaret’s Hospice, in Taunton, where Zena passed away.

This will be followed on the same day by a fund-raising dinner in Andy’s home village of Holcombe Rogus, Devon, to raise money for the charities and village hall funds.

Andy said: “Nothing can take away the pain and sense of loss at losing Zena, but I was determined to try and do something positive in her memory and make a practical difference to other people’s lives as a result of her death.

“Zena was a keen runner and often competed in the Taunton Half Marathon and so it seemed a great idea to do the run in her honour. Seven of her friends and family have pledged to join me and we are heavily into training to make this happen.”

Tim Maddams, well-known chef, presenter, writer and Devon Life columnist, has agreed to cook a special meal for the occasion.

Andy added: “I knew we would have a lot of community support for our run and so it seemed a good idea to all gather that evening and raise some more funds for the causes. I am indebted to Tim Maddams for proving so generous with his time and his support and we look to have created a really special event.”

Anyone wanting to sponsor Andy can do so here.