My daughter, Abigail Grace Hunter, was born prematurely at 32 weeks, but had stopped growing at 26 weeks, so only weighed 1.025kg (2lb 4oz). The team at Wigan Neo-Natal Unit did a fantastic job of caring for Abigail in the NNU as well as supporting Emma and me. After five weeks (a total of thirty-five days) in the NNU, Abigail was well enough to come home and continues to thrive (she doubled her weight after 6 and a half weeks). 

On World Prematurity Day (Wednesday 17th November 2021), I will be completing a full triathlon, plus an additional two events - one event for each week Abigail was in the NNU. The events will be a 1.5km swim, 40.5km cycle, 1.5km walk, 3km row and finishing with a 10km run.

The events have been chosen to go between the hospital, my place of work and my house over a distance of 35 miles, representing my experience of the 35 days Abigail was in hospital. The distance will also present an extreme challenge to my limited fitness and therefore I am hoping to be able to raise at least £100 for each day Abigail was in the NNU. The money raised for the NNU through the Three Wishes charity will support the fantastic work that the whole team does. 

The Wigan NHS Trust's charity is called Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Health Services Charity, or Three Wishes. Three Wishes was established as a registered charity (Registered Charity Number 1048659) to provide additional support, with a real focus on the patient experience. The Charity makes the most of every last penny and is very grateful for the support and generosity of our donors and the tireless efforts of fundraising volunteers and supporters who give their time and effort to help us. The Children and Babies Fund supports work on Rainbow Ward - the children's ward which cares for babies through to teenagers, Neonatal Ward, caring for premature babies and Paediatric A & E.