Anyone who knows our family knows that St. Mark's Hospital plays a huge part in our lives.  Toby has a very rare genetic condition called Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome which causes him to grow polyps in his intestines.  Every one of these is potentially life-threatening. Not only can they cause a fatal blockage, each has to be tested for cancerous cells.

Toby has regular surgery to monitor and remove these growths. Some have followed blue light ambulance rides to A&E, others are planned. Most recently, he was under for seven hours two years ago. His consulatant only told us afterwards what a near miss he had had. Four polyps were removed, the longest 4.5cms - imagine that inside your bowel. They couldn't believe he hadn't been rushed in for emergency surgery earlier.  We're back in later this month for our regular tests, which involve very expensive camera capsules being put through Toby's intestines.  This annual procedure always results in surgery.

Living with this would be impossible without the dedicated care and expertise of his team of surgeons, consultants and support staff at St Mark's. They have been treating him since he was six and all know him inside and out, quite literally.  We know we are in the safest possible hands. They do everything they can to minimise the risks and look after Toby and his family when his health does deteriorate.

That Toby is able to live a relatively normal life is entirely down to the amazing care he receives at St. Mark's Hospital, a global leader in its field. Other patients fly in from around the world so we are exceptionally lucky to only have to go to north London.

How on earth can you thank a team who do so much to keep your son alive and well? There are no words but we feel we must do something. So, we are walking (possibly running but maybe crawling) a half marathon to raise money for the unit. It's a small way to show our gratitude.   Anything you can give would be gratefully received.