Both these hospital charities hold a special place in my family and I’s heart.

SCBU

Our son, Quinn, was born 6 weeks premature and spend the first 3 weeks of his life in SCBU at St John’s Livingston. Having a premature baby is something that is hard to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it-so many newborn experiences are stolen from you and you enter a whole new world of worry, concern and medical interventions you never knew existed.

The care the staff gave Quinn and support they gave to my wife and I was outstanding and helped turn an initially scary experience into one of hope, allowing us, as parents to still have special newborn experiences where possible. We will be forever grateful for the special care Quinn received from his SCBU aunties.

Edinburgh Childrens Hospital Charity

In September, after a serious accident, my brother Jake spent 6 weeks in Sick Kids. During this stay he underwent surgery and physiotherapy, to name only a few treatments in order to learn how to walk again. The positivity and commitment from the staff not only had a massive impact on the outstanding recovery Jake made but also supported my parents in a way I can’t explain. The staff at Sick Kids always go over and above to ensure positivity in all situations.

To help raise funds for two amazing charities i have signed up to participate in the Fan dance on July 10th 2021. The Fan Dance is a gruelling 24km SAS Selection test march staged over Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons. The infamous march is the world’s oldest Special Forces test and is used as the first major indicator of whether a candidate has the physical and mental aptitude to complete the legendary Selection course.

Unfortunately the fandance event has been cancelled on this date. Very frustrating as had been really looking forward to it. However I have now set a new challenge "The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, within 24 hours. The three mountains are: Snowdon, in Wales (1085m) Scafell Pike, in England (978m) and Ben Nevis, in Scotland (1345m) The total distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft) - twice the ascent of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, over a similar total distance. The total driving distance is 462 miles.

The two charities i have chosen to split all funds between are Special Care Baby Unit in St Johns and Edinburghs childrens hospital charity. Sadly many kids and families have their world turned upside down when hospitlisation is required, both hospitals believe that nothing should get in the way of being a child. these charities exist to transform the experiences of children and young people in hospital so they can be a child first and a patient second.

Edinburgh childrens hospital charity do not only just care for children whilst in hospital they look after needs of parents / guardians too. They provide practical and emotianal support for families during an extremely difficult time and will also assist to seek financial support.

I have witnessed and experienced first hand how influencial these charities can be, how dependant people can become on this support. The difference these charities can make to peoples lives is something i cannot put into words and sadly its something you do not fully understand or even believe exists until you have experienced or seen this.

For these charities to be able to continue this service to children and families they require our support, please help where you can.