I'm Elijah’s dad and am taking on my own challenge to #backtheboat and support Team Elijahs Star who are rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in support of Action Medical Research. Many people think us fell runners have a screw loose, but ocean rowers are in a different league. They're rowing for babies born too soon, shining a spotlight on the impact premature birth has on babies and their families and to help fund more research that can save lives. As a family, we are honoured that the rowers are using Elijah’s name for their team. Elijah was born extremely prematurely and lived for just 37 days. Elijah's Star have set themselves a target of 37 days to row across the Atlantic. I have set myself the far more modest target of running the Bob Graham Round in the Lake District covering 42 peaks (66 miles with 27,000 ft - almost the height of Everest - of ascent and descent) in 24 hours. When Elijah died I started running. I run because of him. I've trained hard and am well prepared, but I know the challenge is also a mental one. If I can show half the grit and fortitude Elijah showed in his short life, I have a decent chance of getting round in under 24 hours.

10% of all births are premature and globally, it's the biggest killer of children under 5. Its too many. Far too many. Action Medical Research is committed to fighting for childrens lives, finding answers that can lead to medical breakthroughs for some of the toughest fights our children face.