Avengers’ tribute to Zoe

A beaming smile, blonde hair brushed in a riot of burnished waves, Zoe Osgood left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

The Blenheim teenager who lost her two-and-a-half battle with bone cancer on January 10 captured the hearts of the community with her courage, coping with a maturity beyond her 15 years.

Now her friends are honouring Zoe, signing up for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on March 4 to help fight back against the disease which took her life.

The team of eight, Sylvie Crowe, Bess Cuddon-Corlett, Leni Manson, Jaimee Randall, Emma Staker, Grace Straker, Grace Varney and Samantha Woodhouse, are determined to raise as much money as possible.

Bess says they wanted to do something special to honour their “amazing” friend and came up with the plan before Zoe died.

“We found out about Relay for Life when Zoe was still here, we wanted to do it to have some fun and thought it’d be even more amazing if we did it for Zoe.

“She was a really amazing person and her presence is really missed, there’s a huge gap in our friendship group where she should be.”

Zoe was a talented singer and a staunch anti-bullying advocate who loved spending time out on the water with her family and pet dog Rusty.

She also loved Marvel movies and just weeks before she died, had spent a special day with her family and friends organised by Lifetime Dream Day.

The day included lunch, a flight in a plane and a private screening of Wakanda Forever at Event Cinemas in Blenheim.

Bess says it was a wonderful day where they all had fun together.

“Ever since she passed away, her family have become like a second family to us, we’ve got closer.

“We felt like we had to do something.”

A massive Marvel fan, Zoe collected film merchandise and wore a Marvel inspired bracelet on special occasions. Her favourite Pop vinyl collector characters adorned her casket at her funeral.

Naming their Relay for Life team Zoe’s Avengers was easy, Bess says.

“We’ll have a photo of Zoe and all wear a whole heap of super hero stuff.”

Zoe’s mum Michelle says she is really proud of the girls for stepping up to help in the fight against cancer.

“She had found her people and their support has been amazing. Our village really is incredible.”

Relay for Life will take place from 2pm Saturday 4th - 8am Sunday 5th March at Lansdowne Park.

Late entry closes March 1 and costs $30 per person. All money raised in the region will be used locally.

The event is gives everyone a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and carers; loved ones lost to cancer; and fight back by raising awareness and funds for the Cancer Society.

Zoe’s Avengers have already raised $4418 and hope to see that total keep going up.

Bess says originally they had aimed to raise $500 and are grateful for all the support in Zoe’s memory.

To make a donation to Zoe’s Avengers visit https://relayforlife.org.nz/t/zoesavengers