One of my closest friends had the worst news any parent-to-be could face in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Scans showed that their baby girl had polycystic kidneys and they were told that the chance of her making it beyond a week of birth was in single figures. 

Rachel and Baz were referred to the wonderful Martin House team who helped guide them through some awful end of life decisions that they had to take before Oona had even been born. And once Oona arrived, the family was referred to Martin House for palliative care to follow these care plans.

When I visited a few days later, I saw the amazing team in action - helping make memories, making sure the whole family were cared for at such a difficult time and doing so with genuine compassion. How they do that job day in day out I have no idea. 

The best news however was that, at six days old, Oona did a massive wee which gave enough hope that her kidneys could respond to treatment that the hospital readmitted her.  Rachel managed to capture Oona giving the finger to her initial diagnosis in the photo I've shared in the gallery. She is one determined little girl!

Two and a half years on, Oona is one very happy, lively and tenacious toddler and is recovering well from her kidney transplant earlier this year. 

As well as providing palliative care to children and young people across West, North and East Yorkshire, Martin House supports children with life-limiting conditions, and their families, with respite care. As you can imagine, keeping this service running costs a fortune. I'd like to raise as much as I can to ensure more families have the help they need when their world falls apart.

The Heb is a two day challenge of navigation, running, biking and kayaking, covering 200km. My friend Issy and I will be tackling it together (we are pictured with our mid-training run ice creams - which sadly I suspect are not on offer in the race). Our kayaking and navigation skills leave a lot to be desired but we aim to know our way around a map, compass and kayak by the start of September. 

Thanks for your support.

Vik