Our daughter, Ornella, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect during her 20 week scan. Following her diagnosis we, as a family, were supported every step of the way by nurses and consultants at University Hospital Southampton, with much of Ornella's care, both pre and post open heart surgery, taking place in E1 Ocean Ward. We are truly thankful for the compassionate care and constant support we received during the time we spent on Ocean Ward and I am running to raise money to support families experiencing the same uncertainty and worry as we did.

Families of Ocean Ward's misson is to provide emotional and financial support to children and families making use of the facilities on Ocean Ward. Their aim is to bridge the gap between hospital and home by putting families in touch with others whose child has a similar condition and issues.

"Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than what tried to hurt you."