David Calway writes about the loss of his much-loved wife Zoe, who has died, aged 50
At the start of March, aged just 50, Zoe Calway received diagnosis of the cancer that would ultimately take her life on 13th May. At this stage, we could only hope, against the odds, that chemotherapy might help. Zoe so wanted to live, and particularly to be there for our two children, who she adored and has shared so much love and joy with.
The disease was awful and relentless, but Zoe’s resilience and determination to shake off despair did help her, and us, to squeeze joy and precious memories out of her time with us. Visits from family and friends to her at Eden Valley Hospice were remarkable, often fun, scented by massage oil (for Zoe’s feet), sometimes musically themed, but always brimming with deep love for Zoe.
Zoe was born to Frank and Ann Fawcett while Frank was stationed in Germany. Later, we lived together in Kendal which is twinned with Zoe’s birth town, Rinteln. During her childhood, with younger sister Samantha, the family moved to Lincolnshire, where her grandparents and much of their family, especially her aunties and uncles, were based. She would bake with grandma and spend time with her Ukrainian grandad, who was ever practical. Zoe was involved with St John Ambulance as a youth and would attend camps and events as a volunteer, such as the races at Castle Donnington.
After navigating school and college in Scunthorpe she was accepted to study Law at UCE in Birmingham. She was housed with Nicola, Kath, Josephine and Sara, and they became the heart of the UCE women’s rugby team. Largely motivated by fun and beer, they accepted that success was more a state of mind than an official score. Zoe and I met just before Easter in 1994.
Attracted by Zoe’s beautiful blue eyes, her dark hair and a woolly hat, mix tapes were made and exchanged and we began our life together. We both graduated and sought work in 1996. I accepted a job in Cumbria and Zoe initially worked for a solicitor in Scunthorpe. We wanted to be together and luckily Zoe was able to get an admin position at a solicitors’ in Windermere.
Although she wasn’t on a training contract, Zoe shone through as being intelligent, hard-working and determined, and so those training opportunities did eventually present themselves and she was on the path to becoming a solicitor.
In November, 2000, at the very wet hillside church in Helsington, Zoe and I married. Soon, we would move to Eden and thoughts would turn to parenthood — although they remained just thoughts for some considerable time.
Appointed to Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors in Penrith, she continued her training to become a solicitor and a private client specialist. She worked tremendously hard and became known for her willingness and ability not only to deal with tricky matters but also to soften even the toughest clients. It was at Cartmells that Zoe started her charity endeavours — cross country cycling, running, cricket and other fundraising activities allowed Zoe to challenge herself, have fun and do her bit for local good causes.
It wasn’t until 2009 that Zoe finally became a mum. Zoe would walk miles with our new daughter and the dogs, over the local fields and fells. Really strong friendships grew from the shared experience of motherhood and many of those mums shared our time with Zoe at the hospice. In 2011, our son arrived, and our little family was complete. Our kids have had the most wonderful and joyous times with Zoe growing up and you can see her in their ways and looks. It is hugely tragic and painful that they have lost their mum and I thank all of you who have acknowledged this and helped to support them.
Zoe, who in younger life had worked in an aerosol factory, a chicken processing plant, had sorted potatoes and had done all manner of jobs, finally became a director and head of the Cartmell Shepherd Penrith office. Her very many sporting and running achievements culminated in her completing the Half Lakesman in 2023 and a special award in the Mini Lakesman will be presented in honour of her this year.
What a journey Zoe had been on, like many women, to juggle everything to be a smashing mum, to have a rewarding career, live a full and active life and to be someone that people would just love to be with.
