The Zeal family from Nailsworth—Tara, Matt, their daughter Sophia, and Orla the dog—are in the final stages of an incredible 1,200-mile walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End, undertaken in loving memory of their daughter Amelie.
Amelie Zeal was just 15 when she lost her battle with a brain tumour in July, only four months after her diagnosis. Inspired by her adventurous spirit and unwavering determination, the family began their journey less than two weeks after her funeral, each taking turns to walk the length of the country.
Now approaching the Cornish coast, the Zeals are just days from reaching Land’s End. Their efforts have already raised over £23,000 to support brain cancer research through Abbie’s Army, and the Acorns Children’s Hospice, which provided care and comfort during Amelie’s final days.
Matt Zeal shares a heartfelt letter reflecting on their journey, grief, and the importance of these charities:
“Dear friends, as we near the end of our walk—just four days from Land’s End—we hope to raise as much as possible for two incredible causes: Abbie’s Army, which funds research toward a cure for the very brain cancer Amelie fought, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, which eased her and our family’s last moments.
Tara, Sophia, Orla, and I have taken turns walking through autumn’s changing seasons—from the long, sunny days in northern Scotland to the brisk, muted light of winter by the sea Amelie loved. We began this adventure shortly after burying our precious daughter, when grief was raw and overwhelming.
Now, five months after her passing, the weight of grief feels more familiar, though moments of unbearable pain remain.
Amelie and Tara spent many hours watching ‘Race Across the World’ during her illness, dreaming of adventures they would share once she got better. The idea for this walk came from Amelie herself, inspired by a challenge she saw online, eager to take it on as soon as she could.
She was in the prime of life—fit, strong, and full of joy with a delightful mix of sass and cheer. Her carefree smile is deeply missed.
This walk has been a way to keep breathing through a time that once made no sense. It has brought us the beauty of nature and the kindness of strangers at every step. Life is precious, too often lost in daily worries that pale in comparison.
I hope to hold onto this lesson long after the journey ends. A few weeks before she died, Amelie, struggling to sit up in her chair, said to me, ‘Dada, I miss your smile.’ I search for it every day, even through tears.
Faced with a short prognosis, Amelie once asked, ‘What’s the point?’ I’m still trying to answer, but for now, I strive to spread kindness, act consciously, and send positive ripples from every imperfect interaction.
Amelie never gave up. She cared deeply for her family and friends.
If you feel moved, please consider donating through the link below. More importantly, take a moment to cherish life’s preciousness. If we all do, even a little more, the world will be a kinder, better place.”
Matt Zeal