In October, I'll be taking on the Manchester Half Marathon to raise money for the Children's Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), a charity that has had a profound impact on my family.

In 2023, my nephew Alfie became critically ill at just three months old. After struggling to gain weight since birth, he went into heart failure and was diagnosed with a significant ventricular septal defect (VSD), a serious heart condition that required urgent open heart surgery at Leeds General Infirmary.

Thankfully, the incredible team on Ward 51, led by surgeon Giuseppe Palella and his colleagues, saved Alfie's life. During what was undoubtedly one of the most difficult periods our family has ever faced, my sister Ellie and soon-to-be brother-in-law Adam were supported every step of the way by the Children's Heart Surgery Fund. The charity provided reassurance, guidance and practical support throughout an incredibly challenging time, allowing them to focus on what mattered most, Alfie's recovery.

CHSF helps fund lifesaving equipment, supports specialist children's cardiology nurses, and provides vital assistance to families navigating some of the toughest challenges imaginable. The charity also helped ensure Ellie and Adam could remain by Alfie's side throughout his time in hospital, providing invaluable support during his treatment and recovery.

Today, Alfie is doing brilliantly, and while our family will never forget what happened, we remain incredibly grateful for the care and support that helped him through it.

Running the Manchester Half Marathon is my way of saying thank you and helping ensure that other children and families facing similar journeys receive the same incredible support when they need it most.

Any donation, no matter how small, would be hugely appreciated. If you're unable to donate, sharing this page would also mean a great deal.

Thank you for your support.

Jack