Local father, Zach Weaver-Shojaie, has successfully completed the Manchester Marathon, raising more than £1,500 for East Cheshire NHS Charity in a powerful tribute to the hospital units that supported his family through a period of personal loss and recovery.
Zach chose to support the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) and the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Macclesfield Hospital as a thank you for the life-changing care their staff provided his family through both their most difficult moments and the joyful arrival of his daughter.
The achievement also follows a challenging personal recovery for Zach, who crossed the finish line last month after overcoming a serious car accident that had initially put his marathon plans in doubt.
Reflecting on the achievement, Zach described the experience as an ‘overwhelming’ milestone.
“It was incredible. The support was overwhelming,” he said. “Beyond the love and support in the buildup from people near and far, on the course it was the kindness and support of total strangers that kept me moving.
“It wasn’t the run I anticipated in September, but perhaps even more overwhelming with the love, support, and kindness in the lead-up and to pick me up when the going got tough.
“At points, the advice was this wouldn’t be possible, which despite blind optimism, deep down I thought might be right.
“One car accident, two scans, a great orthopaedist, some fantastic physiotherapists, and most of all the most wonderful wife and daughter later, it’s sinking in that I was able to make good on my commitment.”
Funds raised will enable both the hospital units to purchase those ‘added extras’ that go above and beyond standard NHS funding, such as specialist medical equipment and enhanced facilities for families.
Supporters can still contribute to Zachary’s fundraising total by visiting his Just Giving page here.