<p>We've all got kids, nieces and nephews; or, at the very least, have friends that are parents. For most, pregnancy and birth of these kids is an incredibly happy time.<br />Some families, including family members and friends of mine, are not that fortunate and the time leading up birth can be incredibly stressful and emotional.<br />Some parents rely solely on the knowledge of hospital staff and developments in medical research to ensure that their baby overcomes any difficulties and go on to live a long and happy life.<br />Sparks' mission is simple "<em>...to help all babies be born healthy and stay healthy. We do this by funding high quality medical research into childhood diseases.</em>"<br />If you think, as I do, that a pound donated to Sparks is a pound well spent then please <strong>Donate Now</strong>, or let all your family and friends know about this page.<br />You can follow my training and fund raising efforts on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Sparks-Marathon/125500494165449">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23sparksmarathon">Twitter</a>!</p>