A PORTISHEAD wildlife worker, who suffered with cancer, is to run the Bristol Half Marathon to raise money for charity after her mother was diagnosed with the disease. Zoe Lapthorn, a 39-year-old wildlife conservationist, is running the Reebok Bristol Hal

A PORTISHEAD wildlife worker, who suffered with cancer, is to run the Bristol Half Marathon to raise money for charity after her mother was diagnosed with the disease.Zoe Lapthorn, a 39-year-old wildlife conservationist, is running the Reebok Bristol Half Marathon to raise money for Penny Brohn Cancer Care after the charity helped her beat Hodgkin's Disease four years ago.The run will be even more poignant for Zoe who returned to Portishead recently to look after her mum who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.Zoe has dedicated the majority of the last 10 years working between London and Africa on wildlife conservation projects.It was in 1998 that she fell in love with Africa whilst working on a documentary for Disney called 'Elephant Journey.'Zoe said: "I want to support Penny Brohn Cancer Care because it does so much to support people living with cancer and their families and carers."My mum saw me through my illness and I will do anything to see her through hers."Zoe began running around the streets of London several times a week and after a particularly good Sunday run realised she had actually pounded her way around 13 miles of the city.She added: "I enjoy the freedom of running so much I really didn't keep an eye on how far I actually went."This will be Zoe's first official long distance run and she also has a place in the 2008 London Marathon.Zoe said: "That will be another great personal challenge, especially reaching the grand old age of 40 the day before."My Guinness and chocolate fudge cake will have to wait another day."I hope to finish the Bristol Half Marathon in two hours and hopefully I won't be the only one crossing the finish line on all fours."Anyone wanting to sponsor Zoe can call Katy Thomas on 01275 370073 or email katy.thomas@pennybrohn.org.Alternatively people can sponsor Zoe directly by emailing www.justgiving.com/runnyzoe