Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

In July this year my nephew was born - All looked to be fine through the pregnancy with scans showing nothing untoward and the Gilligan/Hearn family were looking forward to the arrival of a little brother for Ian

When Henry was born all was not fine - He was born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) - Because this had not been picked up in scans it was lucky there was a very quick thinking doctor on hand to spot the problem - Had he not been there Henry would probably not have survived

Once the problem was identified Henry was quickly transferred from Oldham General to the Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital (RMCH) where there was fortunately a bed available in PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit)

Henry spent the next 4 weeks in hospital and there were plenty of dark days and tears as Henry battled for survival - I do believe he is a little fighter and played his part, but without the staff and facilities in the PICU ward there would have been a much more tragic outcome

As you can hopefully see from the picture on this page Henry is now a happy and thriving little boy who will, fingers crossed, lead a full and healthy life - Although he is beginning to look frighteningly like his Dad!

It is hard to put into words the thanks you would like to give in these circumstances, and amazing that all those involved in looking after Henry and his mum at Oldham and Manchester will have done the same thing again and again for other children and families - Their work really does have huge and lasting impacts on the family and friends of everyone they treat

I witnessed first hand their skill and care and this run, and hopefully the funds we raise from it, is some attempt to say thankyou

I would also like to thank the rest of my running team who have eagerly joined me for the event and will also be helping the push for funds

Anything you can do to support will be much appreciated

Thanks

John