Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. This is the first big bit of fundraising I have embarked upon since I was proudly presented with the Sick Children's Trust's prestigious 40th anniversary award as their "Outstanding Supporter".  

I'll be tracking my training progress on Strava, Twitter and Instagram @planey2k

This charity, that award and therefore this forthcoming challenge (cycling 600km over 5 days from their houses in London to their house in Newcastle, visiting every house in between) mean so much to my family and me, and here's why.... 

As many of you will know, our son Brody was born seriously ill, when he arrived – five days late – he was taken from us for lifesaving treatment as he had a condition called meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) which occurred during labour. 

This was just the start of a long journey ahead. Brody spent the first 30 days of his life fighting for every breath on a ventilator and battling against his condition – but he became stronger and eventually we were able to take him home. I remember walking through the door to our home and just thinking that I was so glad we were able to bring him back. I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like walking back into our house, which was all set up for Brody’s arrival, for him never to be carried through the door.

While Brody was treated at The Royal London Hospital, by the incredible doctors and nurses in the paediatric intensive care unit, we were able to support him because we had a ‘Home from Home’; Stevenson House, which is run by The Sick Children’s Trust.

If it wasn’t for Stevenson House, we would’ve felt like we’d abandoned Brody by travelling back home every day. It was invaluable. Although we couldn’t do as much as a normal Mum and Dad could, we were able to do some of the things and give our son all the attention and positive energy he needed.  We could visit him any time of day and night, and read stories to him through the windows of his little incubator.

Stevenson House makes sure that mothers in particular, who feel that they are missing out on that bond, are able to be with their new baby as much as possible. Because we had this ‘Home from Home’, it meant we could be with Brody any time we wanted to. We could talk to him, hold his hand, visit him at all hours and take every step with him, while he was kept sedated and we all waited for him to get better.  When he was eventually allowed out of his incubator, on day 17, we were able to cuddle him and feed him through a tiny syringe, always knowing that we had a place nearby to stay.

So that’s why I’ve decided to fundraise for the charity, to make sure other parents and families can be with their children, when they need to be the most.

If you want to know more about Brody’s story, and Stevenson House, visit: http://bit.ly/1Yaiz0Z

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.