About

Zoé4Life is a childhood cancer charity that was founded in memory of Zoé Guignard who passed away two days short of her 5th birthday.

Zoé4Life helps families with a child in treatment to meet some of the costs of lost work, hotel stays and other expenses. Over 100 families are helped every year in this way every year. They also fund research into childhood cancer and advocate for access to innovative treatments. Finally, they offer assistance to children in treatment through various support programs like an active toy cart for children in isolation units, the Beads of Courage program, covering the cost of fertility preservation techniques for children requiring them, and a sports therapy study. Almost all the money they raise goes directly to those who most need it.

You can read more about them here.

My name is Matthew Wake and I own the English Bookshop in Lausanne. I came across Zoé4Life when my own daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour in June 2017. While I was grateful for the charity’s subsidy, what was more precious was the thought that my family was not fighting alone.

In many ways, my daughter was one of the lucky ones. Her cancer was benign and she suffered few side-effects from her surgeries. However, after accidents, cancer remains the leading cause of death in children and there are many children who are facing life-changing or -ending illness. From hands-on support to international advocacy, Zoé4Life works for them.

We are starting the ride at 6.30 when it is dark and will cycle towards the sunrise. In this way, the Ride mirrors a cancer diagnosis. There are no certificates for getting around the course, just the satisfaction of a job well done and hopefully some good memories.

Come join me on Sunday, 26th September and let’s raise some money for sick children and their families.