Sohail Sheikh says he is taking on the challenge of running 31km – and raising £10,000 – to “help make Christmas truly special” for cancer-stricken children at Great Ormond Street Hospital

By Marco Marcelline

Sohail with Zooni in Mecca, which his family visited shortly before she passed, Credit: Sohail Sheikh

A Chingford father who lost his one-year-old daughter Zooni to a rare tumour is running 31 kilometres this month for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Sohail Sheikh says he is taking on the challenge of running 31km – and raising £10,000 – to “help make Christmas truly special” for cancer-stricken children at the hospital.

Sohail and his wife tragically lost their daughter Zooni to an extra renal rhabdoid tumour on Sunday 24th November. She had just celebrated her first birthday.

Because the cancer Zooni died of is so rare, treatment is currently limited. Sohail says he hopes that by raising money he can help fund research into extra renal rhabdoid tumours, which three babies in the UK are diagnosed with annually.

Speaking to the Echo, Sohail said: “Losing Zooni was the most devastating moment of our lives, leaving an irreplaceable void. However, through this pain, we have found purpose in keeping her memory alive and advocating for other families facing similar challenges.”

Sohail, who has raised £825 towards his £10,000 target so far, says he will be running a route that passes locations that hold emotional and personal meaning for him and his family. They include some of the medical facilities and support groups that helped Zooni, as well as areas where the family spent time together.

Property manager Sohail lives in Chingford with his wife and two daughters, aged 13 and ten. He says Zooni came as a “surprise” for the family, who “were over the moon” when she was born.

Describing Zooni as having a “beautiful blend of strength, curiosity, and innocent joy that could light up any room”, Sohail said she displayed an “incredible bravery” when she became sick at seven months old.

He said: “Although she couldn’t fully understand everything happening around her, she faced each day with quiet strength. She endured her treatments with patience, gripping our hands tightly as if to say she wasn’t giving up.

“Despite everything, Zooni never lost her gentle smile or the sparkle in her eyes. Her courage inspired everyone—her family, doctors, and nurses. She taught us that even the smallest hearts can be the bravest, reminding us how precious and powerful love and hope can be.”

You can donate to Sohail’s GoFundMe here

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