Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As many of you know it is the build up to the tenth anniversary of me becoming a proud Dad to twins Erin and Rachel who were born 16 weeks early and faced a serious battle for survival. Unfortunately that battle was one not to be beaten by Rachel who suffered heart failure and after an 11 hour fight to stay with us she sadly passed away. Erin struggled for many months, facing every single potentially fatal condition that can strike a premature baby and came through them all to the disbelief of those who looked after her at Middlesborough and Leeds Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Erin is now monitored and takes part in a research program called Epicure to help improve the future care and survival rates of babies born extremely premature in the future. A year after Erin and Rachel where born my Aunty gave birth to premature twins Aidan and Ava. Again Ava was taken away from us too soon and passed away 3 days after her birth. Bliss is a charity that works tirelessly to improve care provided by funding research and equipment used to improve the chances of survival and outcomes of babies born too soon, too small or too sick. In the 10 years since Erin and Rachel were born we have seen survival rates rocket and the outcomes of the babies who survive turn out to be more positive thanks to the miracles this charity make happen. Not only do they fund research and provide equipment but provide support for families faced with the pain that replaces the expected joy when a child's birth is quickly followed by dread as parents are faced with the possibility of not bringing their child home. Should that unfortunate event occur, they offer support moving forwards as needed through their army of volunteers trained using funds raised through events like this one. Please, if you feel this is a worthwhile cause give just a little, so together all those supporting this charity can make a big difference. Thank you for your support. Your generosity will drive me on come the 22nd August.

Ciaran