Zook was born in Beverley and is of dual Nigerian and English heritage from parents who met at Hull University. He went to Nigeria with his parents at the age of one where unbeknown to him his early years were filled with the drama of being in the middle of the Biafran War. His family experienced profound loss after his father was killed through mistaken identity. They returned to Hull when he was 5 years old when life became more ordinary until he became a semi-professional rugby player at age 18, playing for Hull KR until 1994. As a player his career was curtailed by injuries but his second career in the fire service spanned some 30 years. He has inspired many fans as well as his own children who now want to follow in his footsteps.

This interview was recorded as part of the ‘African Stories – Contemporary Voices’ project. You can read a full transcript of this interview over on the African Stories website by clicking here.