We're running the Chiltern Challenge 50k Ultramarathon in support of Ty Hafan (www.tyhafan.org), a hospice that gives care and support to life-limited children and their families. It chimes with both of us as we are (relatively) new fathers, but our real motivation comes from the sad passing away of baby Max Harding.

James and Liz met Martina and Glyn at and NCT group before our first children were born. The group have become really close over the past 2 years as we've watched them grow up together, and the birth of baby Max was a big event for us all. At 9 weeks old, Max was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, and passed away at 17 weeks. This was a huge shock and hit everyone hard, but we decided the we needed to stay positive and to something to support the charity that helped Max and his family so much.

Ty Hafan isn't a big charity, so any donation no matter how small will make a difference! In the meantime, we'll carry on clocking up the miles of training we need to do to make sure that we don't collapse half way round! Take a look at my blog to see how we're getting on www.stickmanjames.wordpress.com 

These words from Max's mummy, Martina, show how important the charity was to them

"As a parent, you think you can always protect your child. So when Max was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 at 9 weeks old, it was an utter shock to us that there was nothing we could do for him, but to make him comfortable and make the most of the time we had left.

That is exactly what we had done thanks to Ty Hafan hospice and its wonderful staff who allowed us to spend quality family time whilst creating unforgettable memories for ourselves and Max. We felt we had managed to squeeze a number of months into weeks. Max adored the team at Ty Hafan and they all adored him. We felt part of a beautiful family.

Max sadly passed away on 16 May 2016 at 17 weeks old. He is truly missed by his mummy, daddy and big sister Mila, he is missed by everyone who met him. Max was a loving boy with the most beautiful blue eyes that spoke a thousand words, his beaming smile charmed everyone around him. Somehow you felt understood by him, even though conversation was never had. He inspired many and his influence still continues.

So cheer on my son wherever you are. This is all for you!"