ELHT&Me is the official charity of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Burnley General Teaching Hospital's Lancashire Womens and Newborn Centre.

Big Miles, Tiny Smiles - Running for those who fought before they could walk.

On November 20th, 2024, my son Vincent was born at 26+5 weeks gestation, weighing just 980 grams. He was immediately admitted to the Burnley Neonatal Ward, where he spent 83 days fighting for his life. Each day in the NICU cost an average of £1,879, totalling £155,957 for his care, all provided by the NHS.

At the time, as a parent, I wasn’t even aware of the NICU ward’s existence. When the consultant told us that the NICU team would be coming in to explain what would happen when Vincent was born, I honestly thought a man called “Niko” was coming to chat with us. The severity of the situation didn’t really sink in until much later, and looking back now, it was an insane moment in my life.

Fortunately, Vincent made a full recovery, and we are incredibly lucky. However, many other families aren’t as fortunate. To show my gratitude for everything the NICU did for us, I’ve committed to fundraising for Burnley NICU . This organisation were vital during our journey, and I want to help ensure they can continue supporting families facing the unimaginable.

To kickstart my fundraising, I’m taking on challenges that will push me far beyond my comfort zone. First up is the Gdańsk Marathon in April 2025. Then, in September, I’ll be tackling the Anti-clockwise Lap Ultra Marathon — a brutal 47-mile (75km) route around Lake Windermere in the Lake District. It will be physically and mentally demanding, but every mile is for the babies, families, and staff who gave Vincent the chance he deserved.

I’m also open to any challenges people suggest — the tougher, the better. This journey is about pushing myself to the limit and raising as much money as possible for two incredible causes.

This page, Big Miles, Tiny Smiles, will document my training, the hard miles, the setbacks, the victories, and race-day progress. Please stay tuned, follow, and share. Every bit of support helps spread awareness and make a real difference for families who need it most.

Your kind donations help the many babies and their families by making their experience the best is possibly can be.