On 10th January this year, our baby daughter Matilda was born - only she was born at 30 weeks and 5 days gestation, just over 9 weeks early. She weighed a smidgen over 3lb and was in Calderdale Royal Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) for 5 weeks.

The staff were absolutely incredible, providing a life-line of support to both Matilda and ourselves and we appreciate that if it hadn't been for the SCBU and its dedicated staff, together with information and support provided by Bliss - the charity for sick and premature babies, little Matilda wouldn't have made it.

Matilda, who last weighed in at 10lb 14oz, is now almost 6 months old and is doing brilliantly.

As a keen runner, enjoying it mainly for both my physical and mental health, together with the social benefits of running with a club, I've signed up to do the 2017 Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon, supported by a few other shorter races to assist in motivating my training.

I'm doing these to raise money for both Calderdale's SCBU and Bliss. I've always wanted to run a marathon, but never before felt that I've had such a compelling reason to do so.

In total, the races I'm doing are:
Freckleton Half Marathon - 18th June - status: completed - 2:19 (hot weather!!);
Eccup 10 mile - 2nd July - status: completed - 1:35:51;
Yorkshireman Half Marathon - 10th September; and finally
Yorkshire Marathon - 8th October.

Thanks for viewing my page and for supporting me to raise money for these valuable causes. Even the tiniest of donations is greatly appreciated. Thank you.