Zoe Edge, born in September 1974 with severe Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, has never seen her disability as a limitation, but rather as an integral part of who she is. Her journey has been shaped by resilience, determination, and an unshakable belief that anything is possible. Despite needing assistance with daily activities, Zoe has embraced every aspect of life with enthusiasm, challenging societal perceptions of disability and encouraging others to focus on her strengths, personality, and ambitions.
Zoe’s sports career is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Starting with swimming at the age of eight, she quickly excelled in athletics and boccia, representing her country on the international stage. Zoe’s most notable achievement was earning a Paralympic silver medal, an accomplishment that remains one of the proudest moments of her life. As the captain of her national boccia team for over a decade, she honed leadership skills and a deep sense of responsibility. Her sports career taught her valuable life lessons about discipline, teamwork, and handling setbacks—lessons she continues to apply in all aspects of her life.
Though Zoe has had her fair share of triumphs, her journey hasn't been without challenges. Losing is never easy, and even now, the sting of defeat remains. However, Zoe views every setback as a stepping stone toward success, using each loss as fuel for persistence and growth. After retiring from boccia due to the overwhelming pressure of competition, Zoe shifted her focus to new endeavours. Her mindset remains one of continuous growth, always seeking new ways to achieve her goals and redefine success.
Zoe has always had a deep commitment to helping others, which she has demonstrated throughout her life. From participating in school plays to organizing sponsored charity events, she has been dedicated to making a positive impact on her community. A proud fan of Chesterfield Football Club, Zoe has been recognized with several accolades, including Fan of the Year, and eventually achieved her childhood dream of becoming the club mascot. Her involvement in both local and global causes highlights her dedication to giving back, and her journey has inspired others to contribute to their communities with the same passion and generosity.
Never one to shy away from pursuing her dreams, Zoe recently embarked on a music career as a singer/songwriter. Despite facing speech challenges, she has collaborated with music producer Lyn Sheppard to create songs that express her individuality and creativity. Using technology , Zoe has produced tracks under her own record label, including her signature anthem, “I Just Wanna Be Me!”. Zoe’s music journey is a testament to her ability to break boundaries and inspire others to embrace their own creative potential.
Zoe’s zest for life is evident in her love for travel, particularly on cruise ships, as well as her enthusiasm for fashion, food, concerts, and creative activities like painting. Whether she’s exploring new destinations, enjoying time with family and friends, or pursuing new projects, Zoe thrives on being busy and mentally engaged. With her motto, “Aim high, think big,” Zoe continuously pushes herself to dream big and set ambitious goals, believing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Her story serves as an inspiration to all who encounter it, urging them to embrace life’s challenges, never give up on their dreams, and live each day to the fullest.
Zoe Edge’s unwavering passion for Chesterfield Football Club (FC) has been a cornerstone of her life, transcending the roles of fan and supporter to become a true ambassador for the club. From the age of five, Zoe has been captivated by the Spireites, attending matches whenever she could, despite the demands of her sporting career. Although she couldn't attend as many games as she would have liked during her professional athletic journey, her commitment to the club only deepened upon her retirement. Zoe became a season ticket holder and made it a point to attend nearly every home and away game, further solidifying her connection to the club she holds so dearly.
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2014, Zoe was recognized for her passionate support when she was named **Fan of the Year** at the Chesterfield FC Player of the Year Awards. She also gained further recognition for her sporting achievements when the Chesterfield FC Community Trust named a room in the stadium after her. Her commitment to the Spireites extended beyond just attending games—Zoe has become an integral part of the club’s matchday experience. For several years, she has contributed a regular column to the matchday programme, sharing her thoughts and experiences with fellow fans.
Zoe’s love for Chesterfield FC has created countless memories, both personal and professional. Her involvement with the club has been celebrated at the highest levels. In 2016, Zoe represented Chesterfield at the EFL launch, a testament to the respect she has earned within the football community. Her efforts were further recognized when she was named **Runner-Up for League 1 EFL Fan of the Year** at the 2017 EFL Awards in London. This award, alongside her Paralympic Silver medal, is one of the highlights of Zoe’s remarkable career.
One of Zoe’s most cherished moments came just before her 40th birthday when she had the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream—becoming a mascot for Chesterfield FC. Despite the lack of mascots when she was young, Zoe had longed to take to the pitch in the iconic blue and white. In a heartwarming surprise, just moments before the players walked out, Zoe was informed that she would lead the team onto the field. Her reaction was pure joy and determination, as she rushed onto the pitch with a sense of triumph, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. It was a moment that encapsulated the depth of her love for the club.
In August 2024, Zoe received another significant honour when she was awarded **Honorary Member of the Chesterfield FC Former Players Association** in recognition of her outstanding sporting achievements and extensive fundraising efforts. This prestigious accolade further acknowledges Zoe’s enduring relationship with the club, one that continues to inspire fans and players alike. For Zoe, her bond with Chesterfield FC is more than just fandom—it’s a lifelong commitment to a club that has been with her every step of the way.