Tiny Lives is a registered charity that helps to provide care for premature and sick newborn babies and their families in the RVI hospital Newcastle Upon Tyne. On 22nd June 2016 my wife, Claire, and I found out first hand just how amazing this charity really is....

Our son Kyle was born 17 weeks premature at only 23 weeks + 6 days gestation weighing a tiny 1lb 7oz (650 grams).  We were given the heartbreaking news that the survival rates for a 23 weeker were very low.  But our little fighter proved just how strong he was and battled against all odds and overcome some very serious health problems.  He spent his first 15 weeks of life in the Special Care Baby Unit, in intensive care and progressing through to high dependency before eventually being discharged to come home 2 weeks before his due date in October . During this time we got to see the invaluable support that Tiny Lives provides to the unit. Not only do they provide support to the babies and their families but they also provide essential equipment and staff.

For all of the above reasons I have decided to take part in the Great North Run half marathon with the aim to raise as much money as possible to give something back to this amazing charity.  Our SCBU journey was the hardest times of our lives but the work that both the nurses and Tiny lives do is unbelievable and truly believe the help and support we received throughout the 15 weeks helped us stay strong for our little boy and get through it.

Thanks for reading Kyle's story.

Marc, Claire & Kyle

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Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.