At just 12 days old, our baby girl Ella was diagnosed with a VSD, a hole in her heart. Hearing those words was a complete rollercoaster of emotions. We were heartbroken, scared, and unsure of what the future would hold. Doctors told us Ella would likely need open-heart surgery to repair it due to the location and size of the hole. From that moment, life became a blur of hospital visits, tests, and worry.

Feeding quickly became one of the hardest parts of Ella’s journey. Her heart had to work so hard that she struggled to maintain and gain weight and eventually needed to be tube-fed. Every three hours, around the clock, we prepared and managed her feeds - 24 hours a day! It was exhausting, emotional, and often overwhelming, but something we would do again in a heartbeat for her. The days were long and the nights even longer, but through it all, Ella never stopped smiling. She has always been the happiest, most loving little girl, full of joy, laughter, and unbelievable resilience.

On 29th January 2025, she underwent open-heart surgery, something no parent should ever have to watch their child go through. Waiting through that operation was the hardest moment of our lives; it was like time stopped and we forgot the simple things, like how to breathe. Thankfully, the surgery was a success, and since that day, Ella has gone from strength to strength. She continues to amaze us every single day with her bravery and determination.

About Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity 💙

The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) works to make time in hospital easier for children and their families. They fund vital equipment, provide emotional and practical support, and bring comfort and joy through play and wellbeing activities.

When you spend a lot of time in hospital, you realise just how important charities like ECHC are. They make an enormous difference — not just to the children receiving care, but to the parents and families trying to stay strong. Their kindness, care, and dedication help turn some of the hardest days into moments of hope.

Why This Challenge 🏃‍♂️

During the 15 months leading up to Ella’s surgery and throughout her recovery, I often felt completely powerless. Watching her fight and recover has inspired me to take on a challenge that will test me both physically and mentally, push me far out of my comfort zone, and serve a greater purpose.

Normally, the Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge involves running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours, which is tough enough on its own. I’m taking on a modified Goggins-style challenge: completing 4 miles every 3 hours for 48 hours straight. That’s 16 runs/walks/crawls in total, totaling 64 miles (around 103 km) in just 2 days. What makes this challenge so tough isn’t just the distance, but the lack of rest, cumulative fatigue, and the constant mental battle with yourself.

The reason for making this challenge even harder by reducing the rest is that it mirrors what we went through with Ella. For months, we fed her every three hours around the clock, often running on empty ourselves. There were no breaks, no full nights of sleep, and no choice but to keep going because she needed us. The constant cycle of feeding, worry, and exhaustion tested us in every way imaginable.

Running every three hours for two days straight feels like a fitting reflection of that time — a physical reminder of the relentlessness and endurance required to care for Ella, and of the strength she shows every single day.

To make this challenge even more meaningful and harder, I’ll also be running up the Seven Hills of Edinburgh throughout the 48 hours. As a family, we love walking the hills of Edinburgh, with Blackford Hill holding a special place in our hearts as the spot where I proposed to Bridget. Incorporating the hills into this challenge feels incredibly significant. Over the 48 hours, I’ll climb all seven, one per segment, and complete the remaining runs elsewhere around the city.

The 12 weeks of training in the middle of winter will be a challenge in itself — cold, dark mornings, tired legs, and sore muscles, but it’s nothing compared to what Ella has been through. Every step I take will be for her and to give back to the amazing people who helped our family when we needed it most.

This charity is especially close to our hearts, and any donation, big or small, will be hugely appreciated.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you so much for your support.

P.S. I have absolutely no idea what I’ve let myself in for… but if Ella can endure everything she’s gone through, I can certainly endure a few tough months and a sore body!