*** Update***
Thank you all for the massive support and amazing contributions. At 0730 on Sunday, I went over on my right ankle with just 25 miles of the 100 left. Gutted to not reach the final destination after a pretty tough couple of days but really proud of everyone who has taken part and massively grateful for all the messages and backing. We will finish the challenge but only after the big, fat ankle has had some rest!! Stuart (29/5/75)
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Fletcher Ifan Roberts was born early, really early, on September 2, 2010, weighing just 1lb 10oz.
As a result of coming out of the blocks after just 24 weeks and four days, our son has had to fight lots of battles, including two stomach operations and heart surgery.
Now Fletcher has been a fighter, and eventually came home with mummy and daddy in February 2011 after 160 difficult days of receiving the most wonderful care, support and expertise from a whole host of people.
Everyone acknowledges that medical staff work wonders every day, but what Fletcher received from the doctors and nurses of the Trevor Mann Baby Unit at Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and the Special Care Baby Unit in Haywards Heath was much, much more.
Both hospitals receive funding from the Brighton and Sussex University Hospital NHS Charitable Fund, and so a group of us are going to raise funds with a mammoth 100-mile, non-stop walk across the South Downs.
Fletcher was treated as a special little man from day one. He was supported with top-notch medical care throughout, but more than that, Anna and I always knew he was cared for, beautifully.
It is impossible to overstate how grateful we've been for the support Fletcher and we as parents have received. There have been some desperate days but we got through them all, and a huge part of that was down to their encouragement and care.
So, Fletcher is home, and ready to face any future battles with a cheeky, dimpled grin. And it feels absolutely appropriate to raise funds for those units to have the opportunity to continue their outstanding work with pre-term babies and their parents.
Much of what those units do was a mystery to us until we needed to call on their expertise, equipment and parents facilities. But they do amazing things every single day and need help to continue to provide for babies with tough starts to their lives.
Fletcher, Anna and I were also brilliantly supported by friends, family and colleagues and hope you will now be able to support our fundraising efforts.
On Friday, May 27th 2011, I'll be setting off with the group along the length of the South Downs. Taking in the rolling hills from Winchester to Eastbourne, we're hoping to complete the trek within two days...
So far the group consists of Richard Jones, John Weeden, Neil Rickard and Ian Rickard, who have been warned to expect terrible blisters, lost toe-nails, aching feet, probably rain (best to be prepared) and increasingly tiresome banter.
However, at the end the reward will be worthwhile, ensuring babies like Fletcher also get the best shot at life. Please feel free to pass this link www.justgiving.com/FletcherRoberts to anyone you think would be interested in supporting the cause.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Stuart, Anna and Fletcher xxx
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