Earlier this year, our son Louie Andrew was born with congenital heart disease. During pregnancy, we were told that when he was born, he would need to be transferred to Alder Hey straight away for life saving treatment.

On 31st January, Louie arrived and spent the next 16 days in Alder Hey. He had life saving open heart surgery and was cared for by the amazing team at Alder Hey.

We met so many families during our time in Alder Hey, and some of their children had spent much longer here than we did. Alder Hey is a home for so many families whilst their poorly child is receiving treatment.

This is why we have chosen to walk 31 miles in October to help bring smiles to patients at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, as our way of giving back to the wonderful hospital that saved our son's life.

Alder Hey Children’s Charity raises vital funds to help make Alder Hey Children’s Hospital a truly world-class, patient-friendly hospital for the 45,000 patients and families we care for every year.

Since 2013, over £70m has been raised for a range of life-saving medical equipment and facilities that are making a real difference every day.

That money also ensures that every child experiences Alder Hey magic – those little added extras that make the hospital experience the best it can be during a young person’s stay.