I'm part of a team taking on Race the Sun Lake District Keswick Off-Road for children's charity Action Medical Research.

In September I will be setting off at sunrise to bike, hike and paddle around a challenging course in a race against the sun.

I'm racing in aid of children's charity, Action Medical Research. They have spent over 70 years funding vital research to help defeat the diseases that devastate the lives of sick and disabled babies, children, and young people.

Four years ago, my daughter was born premature at 28 weeks with complications and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS). Two major surgeries and 6 months later they were finally able to go home with oxygen support just in time for Christmas. Since then, there has been one more Major surgery (hopefully the last) and routine 3 monthly cancer screenings. In spite everything she is the most loving happy little girl you could meet, and you would never tell the things she’s has been through by the smile always on her face.

During the 6 months she was in hospital my wife and i met many people from all walks of life all watching on helplessly as their kids fought for a place in this world. We were one of the lucky ones who got to take our child home. This Race is not only for my daughter but for all the parents and children past and present who have needed to stay in hospital for their child to survive, and for all the little stars that never got to take there first steps or say their first words.

By supporting our team you will be helping to find ways to reduce premature birth, to support children facing a lifetime of challenges caused by disabilities, and to develop cutting-edge therapies for rare and incurable diseases.

Thank you so much for your support.