My wife Julie went into labour 13 weeks early and Ethan our son was born on 25 March 2012 weighing just 2lb 13oz, immediately after he was born he was whisked to the Special care Unit within the RVI.

There he was put on a ventilator to aid his breathing and put on several monitors for his oxygen levels, breathing levels, temperatures etc.

He remained in the High Dependency Unit (Red Area) for 11 days before being transferred to the Medium Dependency Unit (Blue) and with in a week into the Low dependency unit (Green), although still within the incubator to maintain heat levels etc.

Finally after 6 weeks were able to feed him direct through bottle rather that fed through direct drip and he was also finally out of the incubator and placed in a regular cost.

Finally after 9 ½ weeks we were finally allowed to take Ethan home with oxygen fitted in the home to aid his breathing if necessary.

All the time the Staff within the Special Care Unit were excellent, understanding, and patient and gave Ethan the best care possible.

Ethan is now one and although behind on his development is coming along well and is now a happy sociable little lad.

But as thanks for the great care to not just Ethan but the whole family I have organised a Charity Cycle with my friends and colleagues for the Tiny Lives Charity to hopefully show appreciation for the care we received.

The challenge along with many of my mates is to complete the Coast to Castle Cycle which is just over 200 miles in 3 days from Newcastle to Seahouses, Seahouses to Galashields, Galashields to Edinburgh Castle.

Tiny Lives provide additional funding for the Special care unit to help provide accommodation, additional equipment, training support, research into neo natal care and help to provide amenities in the family room and aid low income families with additional expenses for travel and parking etc.

So if you would like to Sponsor me for this please do so.

Thanks for your support.

 Shaun