Due to injury I am now running the 2026 London Marathon for WellChild, in memory of our baby son Daniel, who left us too soon on the 1st of April 2009.

Our twins, Daniel and Michael were born extremely premature at just 24 weeks and one day in James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough. They weighed 1lb 7oz and were no larger than my hand. They were both taken into the Neonatal Unit at James Cook where they received the best possible care from the amazing nurses and doctors.

Sadly our beautiful and brave Daniel was too poorly and passed away at just six days old.

We stayed at the hospital for the next three months while Michael grew stronger and bigger, and our lives revolved around doing his 'cares', watching him grow bigger and seeing all of the various medications he was on gradually reduce. He endured different types of ventilation, a couple of blood transfusions, and two operations while still a tiny baby. We loved the 'kangaroo care' days where we got to hold him.

Michael finally left Middlesbrough after 99 days and spent two weeks in Whitehaven Hospital before coming home close to his original due date. He is now 16 and a grumpy teenager (sometimes!), not bad for a tiny baby who had the worst possible start to life, with a 10% chance of survival.

We had amazing support from family, friends and the NHS staff throughout our time at James Cook Hospital and we don't know what we would've done without it. Looking after a sick child consumes your whole life and you never quite know if there is light at the end of the tunnel.

WellChild Childrens Nurses provide essential care and practical support to children and young people requiring long-term or complex care. They play a crucial role in enabling children to leave hospital and be cared for at home, reducing the practical, emotional and financial impact for families.

WellChild is also committed to funding high quality, innovative projects designed to have a positive impact for seriously ill children both now and in the future. This includes WellChilds Helping Hands programme which continues to go from strength to strength, working with volunteers from companies and organisations across the country to tackle essential projects in the homes of children with serious illness. Those volunteers provide the manpower and enthusiasm for projects such as bedroom and garden makeovers.