Say “Hello” to my grandson, Edward, when he was just 4
days old.

He was born 12 weeks early, and this photo was the first time he opened his eyes.  On that day, he weighed just 2lb 8oz (1.14kg).

It’s not an exaggeration to say that he owes his life to the staff, equipment and expertise of the Buscot Ward at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

I want to say a big “Thank You” to Buscot baby unit by raising at least £3000 to help pay for vital equipment and facilities.

The BIBS - Babies In Buscot Support charity is set up to do this, and pay for a variety of projects, ranging from incubators to counselling and advice; right through to to redecorating the “flats” on the ward for parents to spend a couple of full days & nights with their baby/babies prior to discharge.

More information on the great work done by BIBS can be found at www.bibs.org.uk

Now I’m saying “Hello again” to The Ridgeway

Last year, I spent 4 wintry days walking the 87-mile length of The Ridgeway with my border collie, Danny. On that occasion, we raised nearly £3000 for the Cancer Centre at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, in gratitude for the care we received when my wife was treated for an aggressive breast cancer in 2014.

This year, I plan to repeat the walk, but in just two days, and without Danny. He’s 11½ now, and didn’t volunteer for the last walk, so it would be harsh to drag him along again.

I plan to leave Ivinghoe Beacon (near Tring) at 6am on Saturday 7th May, and walk approx 47 miles south-west to Aldworth.  Then I'll leave Overton Hill (near Avebury) at 6am the next day, and walk about 40 miles north-east to Aldworth again.

I’d be delighted to have people join me for part of the route, but please make sure you are prepared for a good pace, and have someone to drop you off and pick you up as public  transport does not serve The Ridgeway well!

Please donate generously to this most worthy cause, and help save the lives of premature, sick and fragile babies in Reading and the surrounding counties.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.