Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

The story of why I am attempting to "fast shuffle" around the streets of Birmingham again in October and complete the Birmingham Half Marathon. 

On 15th April 2016  our lives were very suddenly turned upside down and inside out. Mom had a heart attack and within hours we were told that unless she had emergency bypass surgery then she wouldn't see another day. 2 weeks before that Grace and I were sitting in a restaurant enjoying each other's company and little did we realise what was ahead. 

A wonderful surgeon (Dr Neil Howell) and his team performed a miracle that night and Mom then spent a week in Critical Care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Dr Howell told us that surgery of this kind on someone of Mom's age was not something he would generally consider but she seemed like "a tough cookie" and he thought she would be strong enough to pull through. Anyone that knows Mom knows that is exactly what she is and a real fighter she proved to be as the next week proved to be a real challenge as she fought to come off the ventilator and join us all again. 

The staff on Critical Care Area D were the most amazing people and I can only describe them as "angels in disguise".The care that Mom received during her stay was wonderful and nothing too much trouble as she was monitored and watched 24 hours a day. Even listening to Mom singing hymns one night, all night, was endured with a smile by one lucky nurse! Their patience and understanding was never ending. 

Mom returned home two weeks later and is now making fantastic progress. She is the most remarkable woman and has shown so much courage and strength to get through this major operation and the weeks that followed. 

So my thank you to everyone who helped get her this far is to raise as much as I can to give to Critical Care so that they can continue to help other families like us. The money raised will go towards items on the ward, to help both staff and patients, things that the NHS don't provide. 

My work as a Funeral Director makes me value every moment we have with our family and we are all so grateful to the wonderful Doctors and Staff who saved Mom's life.

Mom is the most loving, generous and compassionate person and I want to "do her proud."  So please give generously..............

Training starts this weekend..........