I am running my first half marathon on 15th March in Bath along with Mark Graham (who is a seasoned marathon runner!).  I have chosen to run for The Grand Appeal / Cots for Tots, a charity in Bristol that was a huge support to my sister, Laurie,  after the birth of baby Arthur whilst he was in the the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael's hospital for the first few days of his life. 

It was extremely hard to see some of the people I care about most in such a vulnerable and traumatic situation, but a welcome relief to have learnt that there are special charities out there like Cots for Tots who give much support to families in unfortunate situations like this.  

The furthest I have run to date is 10km so training for a half marathon is a huge step up and exciting challenge for me!  Any donations however big or small will be much appreciated.

Below is what Will (my brother-in-law) has written about Arthur's story and his experience with Cots for Tots:

''Arthur was born by emergency caesarean on 10th June 2019 at RUH Bath.  Despite a very straightforward pregnancy Arthur began to show signs of distress  during the labour.  Arthur was diagnosed as having low blood oxygen levels and was delivered by emergency caesarean.  Arthur required resuscitation treatment at birth by the incredible paediatric team at RUH.

Poor Arthur had suffered oxygen deprivation and was diagnosed with a condition known as HIE.  Once he had been stabilised and incubated, Arthur was immediately taken away from Laurie and I for further emergency treatment to try and minimise any potential brain damage.

Arthur was referred to immediately start a process known as 'cooling'.  This incredible treatment induces hypothermia for 3 days to reduce brain cell damage which may occur.  Arthur was transferred by the NEST team to the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael's Hospital, Bristol- a world leading facility that pioneered the cooling treatment. 

This was an incredibly difficult and emotional time for Laurie and I, with Arthur in Bristol and Laurie recovering from her operation in Bath.  We were immediately contacted by Cots for Tots, an amazing charity that not only supports the lifesaving work carried out by the doctors and nurses at St Michael's Hospital but also provides free accommodation to parents whose babies are in the NICU.  Cots for Tots arranged for Laurie and I to have a room across the road from where our 2 day old son was receiving care that would shape the rest of his life.

Even though Arthur was receiving care only a hundred metres or so from where Laurie and I first met, we felt a long way from home and scared for our young son.  The opportunity to have somewhere to stay near Arthur was an immeasurable help and one for which we will be forever grateful. 

We would be so grateful if you could support my fund raising efforts to thank Cots for Tots and the whole team at the NICU in St Michael's Hospital Bristol, and help provide funding to ensure that future babies and parents can receive the same unbelievable care that we were so lucky to receive. 

Arthur continues to do really well, and is a happy healthy little chap who we are so lucky to have in our lives.''