On September 14th, 2025, I will be "running" the Worcester 10K. While I may not be fit or an experienced runner, this is my chance to raise funds and express my heartfelt gratitude.

Let me share a bit of our story.

My wife, Charlie, and I were blissfully enjoying our pregnancy, having reached 27 weeks when we received distressing news: complications meant our baby would be born prematurely and at high risk.

Charlie endured a challenging five weeks in multiple hospitals, culminating in the birth of our beautiful daughter, Hallie, at 31 weeks and 3 days, weighing a tiny 1.23 kilograms. Hallie was admitted to intensive care, where the remarkable neonatal team provided around-the-clock care.

Tragically, just days later, Hallie faced severe breathing complications, specifically a pneumothorax, which involved air leaking into her chest cavity. She underwent surgery to address this issue, and the dedicated neonatal staff did everything possible to support her during this difficult time, working long shifts in challenging conditions.

Though Hallie began to improve, Friday, June 13th, is a day I will never forget. We received a call urging us to come to the hospital immediately; Hallie’s condition had deteriorated dramatically. As the hours passed, we watched helplessly as her health declined.

The doctors and neonatal team worked tirelessly to provide Hallie with life-saving care. It was a harrowing day filled with scans, medications, and machines, as we prepared for her transfer to a specialist hospital for a major operation. The team remained focused and committed from 7 a.m. until Hallie left in an ambulance at 11 p.m.

I followed closely behind in my car, overwhelmed with emotion. We were told that Hallie was unlikely to survive the night a conversation no parent should ever have to endure. But thanks to the exceptional care she received, Hallie was given a fighting chance.

Miraculously, Hallie began to improve during her transportation. Though we later learned she had suffered from severe sepsis, we remain profoundly grateful to the teams who went above and beyond to give our baby the best possible chance at life.

Hallie did not require further major surgery but spent an additional 10 days on a ventilator, receiving pain relief and nutrients. After a week at New Cross Hospital, our family returned to the neonatal intensive care unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where Hallie spent an additional three days on a ventilator and nil by mouth, supported by the brilliant neonatal team 24/7.

Thanks to their unwavering dedication, Hallie graduated from intensive care to high dependency, then to the nursery, and finally to transitional care. Now, she is home and weighs 5lbs 13oz. She continues to receive neonatal outreach care, and our family is grateful for the support we are receiving at home.

The neonatal teams are true heroes. They work long hours in emotionally taxing environments, yet they give their all to the many babies and parents in their care.

Now, it’s my turn to give back! I am determined to complete the 10K, and I would be incredibly grateful for your support through donations.

Every contribution will make a meaningful difference for patients, their loved ones, and the incredible NHS staff across Worcestershire’s acute hospitals.

Thank you for generosity!