From the moment Harry was born, the team at St Michael's and Bristol Children’s Hospital did everything in their power to ensure Harry was safe. They have saved his life on numerous occasions and for that we will never quite know how to thank them, but we have to start somewhere.

On Sunday the 11th of May, we’re running the Bristol half marathon to raise money for the Grand Appeal, the charity that supports the amazing teams at Bristol Children’s hospital. We’re running to raise money, to give back in whatever small way we can. But also to raise awareness for the incredible work they do.

These people work tirelessly and care deeply about our children, never missing a single beat. They are some of the kindest, most selfless people we have ever met. The care and commitment they have shown Harry and us over the past year has been remarkable and humbling. They have comforted us, cared for us and been there for our family during the highest highs and the lowest of lows. For this we owe them everything.

We run for everything this place in Bristol represents to us, for the time we have been fortunate enough to have spent in their care. For all the friendships we have made, and all the lessons they have taught us. For the safe and comfortable home they gave us to rest close to Harry. And for the life saving equipment and incredible people that work there.

The doctors, nurses, cleaners and receptionists became like family to us. The devotion and commitment they showed will stay with us forever. We will never be able to fully comprehend how a group of people can operate at such a high level, time and time again, and still have the patience and compassion to deal with us parents so elegantly.

In the first year of Harry's life, we spent a total of 3 months in Bristol receiving care at the Children’s Hospital. At times we couldn’t stay next to Harry through the night, the Grand Appeal provided us with a safe and comfortable room just across the road. So close that we could even see Harry’s window from ours.

When Harry was born, they gave him a little bag with books, soft toys and a journal. In intensive care, he was given blankets that were knitted by a group of local elderly women. This was all made possible by the Grand Appeal and although it probably doesn’t sound like much, it really does make the world of difference. This room then became our second home whilst we would alternate nights at the hospital staying with Harry.

In the most challenging of times, having access to the basic things like a bathroom, a kitchen, a comfortable bed and a warm shower made everything that much easier. It allowed us to focus on Harry and caring for him in every way we could.

But Harry is the real hero in this story, without ever saying a word he has taught us more in his little life than anything we could have ever imagined. There are no words to describe how it feels to watch your baby suffer. He has had to overcome more in his first year than most face in a lifetime. One day we will tell him his story, the way he beat all of the odds. And one day, if he wishes, he will share his story with the world.

We will need to return to their care in the future. But for now our goal is to enjoy every day with our beautiful boy and give back to the people who got us here.