I am running the London Marathon in memory of my nephew Ted for the second time. This time I am running to raise crucial funds for Bliss, a charity for babies born premature or sick.

Here is a little bit about the special people in my life that were born prematurely and why Bliss is a very important charity that is very close to my heart.

My amazing Nephew Ted was born prematurely at just 28 weeks and weighing only 1lb 9.5 Oz's. He developed a very rare incurable heart disease, Pulmonary Vein Stenosis. Shortly after his 1st birthday on 16th June after fighting a very brave battle and after numerous heart surgeries Ted passed away in his mum's arms on his dad's birthday. Ted was simply an amazing little boy who touched so many people's hearts, always smiling that beautiful smile despite all that was thrown at him. We miss him very much.

My son Shay, now 17 years old, was also born prematurely at just 30 weeks. Thanks to the amazing work from charities like Bliss he is now a fit and healthy young man approaching his 18th Birthday, after having gone through many battles as a sick premature baby.

1 in every 7 babies born in the UK will need specialist care. Bliss is the leading UK charity for babies born premature or sick. They rely on donations to fund their work, and without our help, they won't be able to reach the 90,000 babies needing neonatal care each year. 

Your donation to my page will help Bliss to drive improvements in neonatal care, ensure that the needs of babies are at the heart of policy and provide support to all families with a baby born premature or sick.

Thank you so much,

Steve