10 years ago, I experienced one of the best days of my life,
the birth of my first born son, James. He was such an energetic, fun loving and happy boy and I loved being a Dad for the first time.

Tragedy struck when he was only 14 months old, as following
a bout of chicken pox, James became ill with septicaemia. It’s a dreadful illness as it’s notoriously difficult to diagnose but very treatable if caught early. Sadly, James lost his life following a short battle against the illness.

I found the loss of James devastating and it has taken me a
long time to come to terms with not being able to see him grow up and to see his personality develop. I take some comfort from the memories I have from the first 14 months of his life when I was with him. He was always a cheerful and happy boy with a real zest for life, he would always brighten up my day.

The 1^st January 2021 would have been his 10^th birthday. To mark the occasion, I have set myself the challenge to run 40 miles, ending the challenge at the new Cemetery. This is a tough challenge as I have not run that distance in the past, but I am confident that I can do it.

James was born on the 1st of January 2011 so his DOB of 1-1-11 was the inspiration for the 40 miles. He would have  been 10 on the day of the run, so 1 mile for each of the ones means 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4  x 10 = 40 miles 

My brother Alistair and sister Natasha will be supporting me
in running the full distance as well. That's 120 miles in one go by all 3 of us, with my Dad chipping in with a 10 mile run. 

I am raising funds for The Children's Appeal - Ipswich Hospital Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity has launched this appeal to help raise £2.5m to build a new-look children’s department and transform the experience of its young patients and their families.  I would be grateful for your donations to help fund this very worthy cause.