I'm taking part in the 11 mile Sunderland Big Walk to raise money for the Sunderland Hospital Neonatal Unit

As many of you know, my beautiful granddaughter Lois was born 4th July 2018. On arrival, the umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around her body and shoulder restricting oxygen. She didn't take her first breath until 8 minutes, which led to Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, a brain injury which occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen and blood. The neonatal unit worked amazingly to begin therapeutic cooling treatment to try and limit the amount of damage. While in hospital, Lois suffered a punctured lung, 4 seizures and stopped breathing twice. The care both Lois and my daughter Rachel received while in neonatal was astonishing, and the likelihood is, without their care and treatment, Lois would not be here today.

The staff do an amazing job, myself and my family cannot thank them enough. I'm hoping any money raised will go towards equipment to help babies, parents and families who may endure what we went through.

Lois will continue to be monitored by the neonatal unit for the next two years. Her consultant is delighted at the progress she has made so far and we're in no doubt that the support she'll continue to receive will help her go from strength to strength. It would be amazing to give something back to the wonderful people who saved my granddaughters life.