In 2014, our friends’ daughter, Emma, died following several months in the care of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Since then her father, James (Hatch), has dedicated himself to Emma’s memory by supporting the Hospital and its charity (GOSH). While the Hospital provides world-leading treatment for children, the GOSH Charity provides additional care and support for the children and their families. It brings a little humanity and normality to lives which have been shattered and are at times terrifying. It also provides accommodation for families so that they can be with their children during treatment and sometimes during their final days and hours.

On 5 July I will be competing in an Ironman distance triathlon to raise money for the GOSH charity. This means swimming 2½ miles followed by 112miles on my bike and then running a full marathon.

I ran my first marathon last year and competed in my first long open water swim earlier this year – I was rescued by a canoe after 200metres. However, I have been digging deep in the lake and pool, on the roads and in the gym and I’m ready to line up on the start on 5 July.

Hatch has been digging deep for GOSH since 2014. The children and families at GOSH dig deep every day of their lives and I will be doing all I can on 5 July. Please will you do what you can to help by sponsoring me?

We truly appreciate your generosity and Tic and I will match every donation made.

Thank you!