My youngest Son Joseph was born on 10th March 2016 at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, our overwhelming joy and happiness soon turned to fear and heartbreak as he was taken straight in to Special Care Baby Unit.

He spent 10 days in an incubator with round the clock care and was later diagnosed with laryngomalacia which in simpler terms meant he had a floppy larynx which at times caused a blockage to his airway.

Quite quickly the fantastic SSNAP team based at the hospital rallied round to support us in every way possible and this care continued even after Joseph was discharged and we were able to take him home to Banbury.

The very handy gifts but more importantly the support they gave My Wife and I at a very difficult and worrying time in our lives will live with us forever and we will be forever grateful.

Thankfully 8 years on and our rainbow baby as we lovingly refer to him, is a beautiful, kind and very energetic wee boy who brings so much joy to all of our lives.

By signing up to complete the Half Marathon this will be a great test for myself but more importantly i want to raise awareness for a fantastic charity who give so much and there may be new parents who aren't even aware the charity exists and the fantastic work and support they offer.

In 2024, SSNAP will be celebrating 42 years of supporting parents and their premature sick babies at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford - providing both emotional and practical support, 365 days a year, being a life-line at a time when parents need us most.

We fund essential medical life-saving equipment, research, and support the amazing NHS staff on the neonatal unit with training and study days, to enable them to continue to provide the very best of care.

Please join our amazing 'SSNAP Superhero Oxford Half Marathon team,' and help us in our appeal to raise £90,000 for SSNAP.

By running for SSNAP, you will be joining not only the best team in town, but will be helping make a difference for over 1000 babies and their families that we support each year, from across Oxfordshire and the UK.