In July last year, my nephew Luca was born extremely prematurely—just 24 weeks into the pregnancy—and weighing a tiny 1lb 9oz. Nothing could have prepared us for the uphill battle that lay ahead. Babies born this early are known as micro-preemies, and their survival is far from guaranteed. Luca faced life-threatening complications from day one, endured multiple emergency surgeries, and relied on countless critical interventions. But our little fighter never gave up—and neither did we.

Luca spent 118 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary. It was an hour-long commute through city traffic for his parents, who were already stretched to their emotional and physical limits. But in the midst of all the uncertainty and fear, they were given a lifeline: Crawford House.

Just a stone’s throw from the hospital, Crawford House is run by The Sick Children’s Trust. It offers families with seriously ill children a place to stay, completely free of charge. Thanks to them, Luca’s mum and dad were able to remain by his side every single day. Each room even had a direct phone line to the NICU—ensuring they were always just a heartbeat away if anything changed.

To our family, Crawford House became so much more than a place to sleep. It was a sanctuary. A source of strength. A true home away from home. In the darkest days of our lives, it brought light.

Now, to say thank you—and to help other families facing their own unimaginable journeys—I’m running the Great North Run to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust. Every pound raised will help keep families together when they need each other most.

Please support me if you can. For Luca. For the love that got him through. And for every family still waiting, hoping, and holding on.