On 29th June 2017 the phone call came to say Philip had bumped his head playing football that he was concussed but okay, Sinead and the family made their way to Preston hospital only to find a very different story... 

From the moment they entered A& E the genuine love and support they received from the staff was humbling. Nurse Liz, tenderly held Sinead's hand as they painstakingly waited for the doctor..... as reality started to set in. Then doctor Tom some how found the right words to honestly prepare our family for the worst but at the same allowing us to still have some hope. Whilst being so attentive with us they some how managed to get Philip into theatre within seven minutes of him deteriorating. 

The next few hours for our family were a complete blur.  However, we do remember nurse Clare gently navigating us through hospital corridors, organising our hotel room and then tenderly supporting us as Doctor Bright broke news to us that no family ever want to hear. We will always remember Doctor Bright's patience and professionalism. Then on Saturday 1st July the first chink of light appeared we would like to thank Doctor Helen for delivering the news in such a clear and down to earth way.

Then over the next nine days, that Philip spent in an induced coma the nurses and doctors acted with such precision, compassion and genuine concern we can never thank them enough. Nurse Rachel's sunny disposition got us through some of the darkest hours and it was so comforting knowing that she always cared for Philip 'as if he was one of her own family. ' Just chatting away to nurse Ifan about his travel plans and taste in music kept us entertained and we are particularly grateful to him for his strong grip when doing trapezium squeezes (poor Philip felt every minute of them but it definitely helped to wake him up.) Not only are the staff highly skilled in interpreting every tiny bleep and reading on the machines they also work tirelessly to care for the patient's every need. They took take time to forge relationships with every member of the family and sensitively explained what was happening step by step.

We will never forget the expertise of the physiotherapists who persuaded the family that Philip needed to sit up in a chair because even though he had his eyes closed, they knew he was awake. It was from that moment on that the miracle enfolded and Philip came back to us. 

We also need to give a special mention to Karen Gundry, who from the moment Philip was transferred on to the Neuro ward worked tirelessly to care for Philip,  shared her expertise with us reassured the family that he would make a full recovery.

The decisions made on that night by a whole team of professionals saved Philip's life. Firstly the paramedics Tina and her partner, followed their gut and redirected him to Preston which was pivotal in his survival. Then we will be eternally grateful to the team of doctors that operated on Philip and the crucial decisions they made. We need to mention Dr Prasard who in the following months of follow up appointments built a nurturing relationship with Philip and really helped to restore his confidence. We are not able to mention everyone who we encountered on our journey but we would like to sincerely thank every member staff who cared for Philip on critical care and wards 2A & 2B, and the Critical Care Out Reach Team & PALS ( a special mention to Kath at PALS) you are all amazing.

Ultimately we want the money raised through this run to go towards providing the resources that enable these amazing professionals to continue to do their jobs and ultimately to save lives. The money raised will help support patients and families in the same boat and aid them in their recoveries. We would also like the money to go towards some creatures comforts for the staff on the ward because they go way beyond their professional duties and it is only a small fraction of what they deserve. We have been so incredibly lucky, and we hope that the money raised will help families and patients who do not have such a fortunate outcome. Some of the money will also be donated to the hospital chapel which offers a place of solace for families and patients and will help support the Chaplain Jean carry out her crucial role.

We would like to say a massive thank you to the 30 runners and everyone who is supporting us. We would like to thank all our family and friends, you have been just amazing. We would also like to mention the Lamberhead Green family who have been so supportive during Philip' s recovery. 

So any little amount that you can donate will be greatly appreciated and will go towards saving lives! 

Our most sincere thanks, 

All the family.