I was first admitted to the hospital with a fractured skull when he was five years old. I spent time at the hospital and the care that I received was “second to none”.

Later on I had a respiratory complaint at the age of about nine, which meant that I had to visit the hospital a number of times for regular check-ups. 

My family’s involvement with the hospital however started before I was born, as I had an older brother who sadly passed away at 12 months of age, as a result of a heart condition.

An early fundraiser at the age of 10 years old, I was so inspired with the care my entire family had received I gave all of my toys to the children at the hospital as a thank you.

Now 45, I have continued to be in awe of the work that goes on at the hospital and this year has decided to take on the physical challenge of running my first-ever half marathon on Sunday 18 October.

I am hoping to raise as much money as possible for the neo natal unit. I will be wearing my Birmingham Children’s Hospital vest with pride.

“This will be my first half marathon, but knowing that I will be running for such a worthwhile cause is all the inspiration I need to get round to get around the course.

“I am proud to be a born and bred Brummie and have a real connection with the hospital, so returning to my hometown and being surrounded by the people of Birmingham will certainly spur me on.

“I believe that life without a struggle is no life at all and so I will be running for all the brave children and their devoted families treated at the hospital as well as all the incredible medical teams.”