An RMHC house is a place you hope you'll never have to stay in, but if you ever need it, you'll be so glad that it's there.

Our baby boy Lucca was born in February this year with exomphalos minor, requiring surgery the day he was born and two weeks' recovery in the NICU at the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales. Although we knew this was coming, being separated from your newborn baby for the first weeks of their life is not something for which you can really prepare.

From the moment Julie was discharged, the Cardiff RMHC House took us in, providing us with somewhere comfortable to live, only metres away from where Lucca was being cared for. Being able to walk over the road to visit him any time of the day or night, whilst also having space to look after ourselves, helped make an exceptionally difficult time that little bit more manageable. We'll be forever grateful for the unconditional support and compassion we received.

As many of you will know, this will not be my first half marathon, however it will be the first time I've juggled training with looking after a baby and sleepless nights - although Julie's support here has helped massively! It will also be the first time I've run the distance to raise money for charity. 

Julie and I consider ourselves fortunate that we only had to spend two weeks in the House, and Lucca is now healthy and well. However, for many families the stay can be much longer and much further away from home. Anything you feel you are able to donate will help other families to receive the same support and kindness that Julie and I were privileged to receive.

Thank you from us all, Jack, Julie and Lucca