It came as a shock when my grandson Jasper was born prematurely at 28 weeks in August 2018, weighing just over 2lbs after a turbulent birth. He was quickly transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral where they stabilised him. His condition improved daily and a milestone was soon reached with the removal of his ventilator.

The round-the-clock care Jasper received at Arrowe Park was awe-inspiring. We knew he was in the safest of hands by a team of dedicated neonatal nurses and paediatric consultants who had the expertise to provide Jasper the best start in life in a specialist environment. They worked tirelessly to ensure his steady progression whilst offering reassurance and support to my daughter Charlotte and husband Alex who were able to stay and sleep over in their nearby 'Ronald McDonald House' facility. We were reminded to take each day as it came and forewarned that Jasper's journey in intensive care could often be "two steps forward and one step back". After two weeks it was felt that Jasper was well enough to be transferred back to our local hospital to "feed and grow" in an incubator under nurses' supervision with Mum by his side. He came home a healthy little boy two months later, weighing 5lbs. We were relieved and overjoyed.

Arrowe Park's wonderful specialist neonatal care, their dedication, compassion and thoughtfulness shall not be forgotten and I wish to acknowledge and reciprocate their kindness by raising awareness and vital funds for 'Tiny Stars - Neonatal Appeal' supporting Arrowe Park Hospital. Our gratefulness to those who work in neonatal care shall never diminish. 

The cycle coincides with my retirement in May this year at 66 years old. The ride from Land's End to John O'Groats is my first venture into cycling after some recent intensive training and should last three weeks, covering 1050 miles; my target is a pound for every mile. This shall be a challenge but one that I am very much looking forward to. Wish me luck! Best wishes, Joe.