I'm carrying a washing machine around the Oxford Half Marathon to raise money for SSNAP - the Oxford Hospital neo-natal support charity.  Yes, you read that right, I am carrying a washing machine. 

Why?  Because it is heavy, bulky, and no one in their right mind would do it. I am also getting older and my chances of doing the run quickly are diminishing, but but hopefully by doing something this foolish, it'll help to raise awareness of (and some money for) an amazing charity.

I'm a father of two, a husband, and a British Army Officer who lives near Oxford. Both of my children were born at the JR, and without the intervention of the amazing medics there neither of them, nor my wife, would be here today.  Despite the ride we had, ours were not the hardest situations that the incredible medics, midwives, and surgical teams who looked after us dealt with by some distance.

SSNAP help parents and children whose needs are often too many to list, and are far more complex than ours were. They fund new equipment for hospitals (not just the JR), research into new techniques and medicines, counselling services, and much, much more.  Supporting them is the least I can do to thank the JR for everything they have done for my little family, and if you're still reading, please donate if you can. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.