I have now completed my own marathon from The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare to The Grand Appeal's Cots For Tots House in Bristol. The “shortest route” was 22 miles but I added some more miles around Bristol to ensure I ran across the Suspension Bridge and that it’ was the full 26.2miles… 'THE GRAND MARATHON!'

“But why?”

Last September my daughter, Emmy, was born 3 months premature at 26 weeks gestation weighing just 800g (1lb 8oz)! She spent 87 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St Michael's Hospital.

Me, My wife Sarah and our son, Henry (16 months old at the time) were kindly offered free accommodation directly opposite the hospital in Cots for Tots House, part of The Grand Appeal Charity for the entirety of Emmys NICU journey. This meant we were now only seconds away from Emmy instead of a 50 minute car journey which was crucial as things can take a drastic turn every hour/day/week/month in the NICU.

Cots For Tots House became our home where we met other parents in similar situations that became like family to us, we had no idea how much of a support system it would become for us and many other parents.

Cots for Tots have helped over 1700 families with sick babies in the NICU at St Michael's Hospital.

This charity genuinely has a huge place in our hearts and we are so thankful for everything.

If you can donate it will mean the absolute world to me!

Make sure you click gift aid if you are a taxpayer!

Thank you, Dan. 🏃🏼

*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.*