Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My name is Charlie Phipps and I am the dad to a wonderful 1 year old boy named Harry. Harry was born on the 30th of January 2013 and was a happy and healthy baby. So in the summer of last year my world collapsed when I was told he had a rare condition called Craniosynostosis. This condition affects 1 in 3000 babies and causes the skull to fuse prematurely putting excess pressure on the brain. This can cause complications in development and later life. As a result we were told Harry would need a major surgical procedure called a full calvarial remodelling and this would be completed at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

After referral to Great Ormond Street it soon became apparent that we were at the best paediatric hospital in the world. The level of care from the staff was exceptional and on Wednesday the 12th of March 2014, Harry had his surgery under Professor Richard Hayward who is a pioneering skull surgeon. The surgery took over 5 hours and I can honestly say that it was the worst and logest day of my life. Fortunately the surgery was a success and Harry is now on the slow road to recovery. He will always be reminded of this day wit a scar that runs ear to ear and we will be revisiting the hospital until he is an adult.

Part of his immediate recovery was on the neurosurgery wards within the hospital and during our stay here my partner Amy and I witnessed many children being treated for serious conditions. On our day before discharge I saw a family who's world had been shattered around them. Their 4 year old daughter had a brain tumour and they had to deal with the pain of the massive journey they were about to embark on. It was a lot to take in and made me appreciate what I have.

So thats my story.... And that is why I want to put myself through the blood, sweat and tears of The Rat Race. This is a 13 mile run through 150 massive obstacles in the Lincolnshire countryside. Once assembled it will be the worlds largest obstacle course designed by the army. I will be fully submerged under mud/water numerous times, climb over 20 feet wood frames and complete the worlds longest known set of monkey bars. I want to put myself through this pain to raise money for Great Ormond Street as I am inspired by their work and I know that every penny will go towards the treatment of an ill child and the support of their families. Like most parents I thought I would never step foot there.... But I did, and I am eternally thankful for their support.

If you could dig deep to donate any amount, no matter how large or small I would be eternally grateful. It will go a long way to supporting an amazing cause. Now I best get back to training.......

All our thanks,

Charlie, Amy and of course .... Harry

Please search and follow 'Harry's Cranio Journey' on Facebook for full details of his amazing story.

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