A Weaverham woman who was told she would never run again after breaking her back on holiday will take on one of the country’s toughest half marathons.

Zoe Dixon, 42, fell from the balcony of her holiday accommodation three years ago.

The mum-of-two has no recollection of the incident happening but vividly remembers waking up the following morning in hospital with a broken back and shoulder, three broken ribs, a punctured lung and head injuries to boot.

Zoe Dixon in hospital after her accident
Zoe Dixon in hospital after her accident

She said: “One of the hardest parts was to be told I would never run again. I had a five vertebrae metal fusion and was told I needed time to recover but with my son’s birthday only a few days away I was determined to get out of hospital.”

Now, three years on Zoe, prepares to take on the UK’s toughest half marathon, otherwise known as Hell up North, at Delamere Forest on October 17.

She said: “I have always been one for walking long distances and would exercise regularly so the accident really did knock me back.”

Zoe Dixon with children Sadie and Cameron after her accident
Zoe Dixon with children Sadie and Cameron after her accident

As well as plenty of rest, Zoe was informed by her physiotherapist to walk as much as possible. She began by walking up and down the drive, something that left her mentally and physically drained but, as she was to find out, it was a step on the road to recovery.

Two years on from the accident Zoe was going for 13 mile walks every weekend and was determined that she would run again.

She added: “After completing the Couch to 5k programme I decided to attend a Park Run every Saturday until I was able to run 5k under 30 minutes.

An X-Ray taken after Zoe Dixon's accident
An X-Ray taken after Zoe Dixon's accident

“I am now a member of local running club Razzers Runners and after completing another mud run earlier this year I jumped at the chance to challenge myself further in Hell up North. ”

This will be Zoe’s toughest challenge to date but her brother Mark Lithgow, 38, will be running with her for support.

The siblings aim to raise money for Forever Angels; a charity created by their sister Amy Hathaway to support orphaned, abandoned, sick and poverty stricken children in Tanzania.

Zoe Dixon with her brother Mark. Pic provided by Perfect Motion Pr
Zoe Dixon with her brother Mark. Pic provided by Perfect Motion Pr

Amy said: “I’m touched that Zoe will be taking part in the hellish run for our charity. I set up the charity in 2006 and since have cared for over 270 babies, all made possible through generous donations.”

To support Zoe, visit her Just Giving page: justgiving.com/ZoeAndMarkHellRun.

Are you taking part in the Hell up North run at Delamere Forest? Let us know in the comments box below.