On Sunday May 28th this year I will be taking part in Ride London/Essex 2023, riding 100 miles around London and Essex. 

I have chosen to raise money for two causes which have played significant roles in mine and my family's life over the last 18 months. The first is the “Ocean Suite” at Margate Maternity Ward which is a specialist room for those who have lost children, either during, before or after birth; the second is the Air Ambulance charity for Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The details below outline more about our experiences.

In November 2021, my wife and I were expecting our second child. Unfortunately and unknown to us at the time, our daughter, Olive was carrying a genetic condition called Edwards' Syndrome, which is a rare condition and sadly, most babies with Edwards' syndrome will die before or shortly after being born. A scan confirmed that Olive no longer had a heart beat, which was obviously devastating for us and the baby would need to be delivered. The support of Margate Maternity services, during this time and subsequently, made this tragic event as bearable as possible. The availability of a separate room away from the joy of childbirth for others, the thoughtful touches and the comfort this bought us can not be overstated or underestimated. My hope is that by supporting this cause others going through this soul crushing experience can be cared for and comforted in the same way we were.

On July 2nd 2022, my Mum didn’t turn up for her grandson’s 3rd birthday party. Other people at the party were discussing a car accident; the events didn’t add up in my mind. Several hours later, I went to try and find her by driving to her house. As I approached, the road was shut my heart sank... I parked my car and ran down the road seeing my mum’s car. The damage didn’t look too bad. I spoke to the officer on the scene where there were two other cars involved. I told him who I was- he immediately looked concerned and summoned a police car to take me to Kings Hospital London. The support of the PCSO in the car that night will always be remembered. Apart from saying she had been taken by air ambulance, they would say no more. Mum was on a ventilator with dual chest drains removing air from her lungs for around two weeks. Without the world class and immediate treatment that KCH was able to provide thanks to the swift transfer by air ambulance, she wouldn't have survived.

A long story shortened significantly - over the course of 4 weeks in KCH, her condition gradually and slowly improved and Mum was able to return home and lead a life similar to how she had prior to her accident. Tragically, my mum passed away on the 20th December. She had been at work on the 18th.

 I am grateful for those extra six months the air ambulance provided her with, the chance to give Thomas his birthday presents, to take him to the beach and the chance to meet her new grandson, Joshua, once.

 As you can see both these causes have played a significant role in my life. Please give what you can…. if you are able to make a donation, I would be extremely grateful. If you have a personal preference for either charity then please donate to that one; if not my aim is raise equal amounts for each.

Thanks x