As part of Rhodar's Charity-6 initiative, I'm raising money for Zoe's Place Hospice (Liverpool).

In May 2003, my beautiful daughter, Lily May O’Brien, came into the world. From the moment we held her, she changed our lives forever, turning our family of 3 into 4 and showing me a love like no other. Lily was born with a rare and devastating heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition that meant she was terminal from the very start of her life.

We were only able to share 9 precious days with our daughter. Nine days that I will never forget. Nine days filled with love, hope, and heartbreak. During that short, unimaginable time, Lily was cared for at Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, surrounded by staff whose compassion and kindness gave us the strength to face the impossible. They cared for Lily with so much love, they held us, and they helped our family navigate the most painful moments we could ever imagine. I will be forever grateful for the care, love, and support they showed, not just to Lily, but to me and my young family.

To honour her memory, I’m taking on a challenge that represents the 9 days of her life: 201 miles in 9 days - one day for each day we spent with Lily. It’s a marathon a day, passing through towns and villages including Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Northampton, Stoke-on-Trent, and many more, before finishing at Zoe’s Place in Liverpool, the place that held us when we needed it most.

This will be a family journey. My children will travel alongside me in support vehicles, helping with fundraising in the towns and villages along the way. We’ll set off on 22nd November 2025 from Rhodar’s Barking Office and arrive at Zoe’s Place on 1st December 2025.

If I pass through your town, I would love for you to join me… whether that's just for a short walk, a wave, or a cheer. Your support will mean the world, for me, for my family, and most importantly, for Lily and the children Zoe’s Place continues to care for.