I am taking the plunge and doing the Across Mersey Aquathlon to buy a twin cot for the Neonatal Unit (NNU) at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral.

Many of you know that my twin boys, Hughie and Lloyd, were born very early at 29 weeks in June 2011. Born weighing 2lb 12oz and 2lb 15oz  the boys spent their first 8 weeks being cared for by the fantastic staff on the unit.

Currently, the unit does not have it's own dedicated neonatal twin cot and so I would like to try and raise enough money to buy one for them. Many parents of premature twins would choose to co-bed them but the facilities are not always available. Co-bedding can have a positive effect on the health and development of twins.

A neonatal cot for premature twins which comes with bed warmer and canopy will cost in the reigion of £3000. This is going to be a really hard sum to raise but I'm going to give it a go. My main fundraising effort is focused on competing in the Across Mersey Aquathlon. Or in my case just getting across the Mersey will be enough of a challenge!

The event will be taking place on Saturday 21st July, starting at the Echo Arena in the hope of landing on the boat ramp on the other side at Monks Ferry clocking just over a 1 mile swim provided I don't miss (due to the currents) and end up in New Brighton. Once at Monks Ferry it’s training shoes on for a 1000m run.

All the money raised through this page will go directly to Arrowe Park NNU to buy a twin cot. It's our way of saying thank you to the people who looked after our boys.

Donating through JustGiving is simple and secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

All you have to do to help is click a few buttons, so please dig deep and donate now. Thank you.