On the 27th April 2025 I will be taking part in the London Marathon. From a feeling of 'I need to set myself a challenge' I decided to enter on the assumption that there would be a very slim chance of me getting a place... How wrong I was!!

For those of you that know me, know that I am not really much of a long distance runner or a runner of any sort, so this is going to be a real challenge.

I have chosen to raise money for Special Care Baby Unit, Torbay Hospital . Ivy and Mabel arrived into the world in 'blue light' style and earlier than anticipated. They spent their first three weeks receiving the most exceptional care from some of the most dedicated NHS staff we've been fortunate to meet. It was a really tough situation for us as a family and it could've been much harder had it not been for the amazing SCBU team.

Ivy and Mabel benefitted from previous fundraising efforts by being cared for in the new twin cot. This enabled them to be next to one another whilst still needing constant care.

The money raised for the SCBU will go towards funding sensory and developmental resources for babies, muslins and swaddle cloths and continuing the development of the parent areas in the ward.

The charity essentially funds items that can't be covered by the NHS and aren't deemed essential, but which make a significant difference in the care and treatment of the babies and their parents.

I'm hoping that any money raised will go towards supporting the young babies, parents and families in anyway possible. We were fortunate that we only had to spend three weeks in SCBU but some families face longer and more complex journeys.

We are eternally grateful for everything they've done for us and any donation, however small will be appreciated.

Please read their story below -

On SCBU we care for babies that are born too early, babies that are low birth weight and term babies that are unwell. We are raising money for equipment and items to give our babies and parents the best possible care.

Our babies can be on the ward for just a few days, but some are with us for many weeks and even months. For their parents this is such a challenging time.

We raise funds to try and make the Unit more homely for our babies and their parents, and to try and make their stay with us a better experience. In 2023, thanks to donations and fundraising, we were able to create a well-being area for parents to make a hot drink and have a space away from the bedside. We also funded our first ever twin cot, which now means that twin babies on the Unit can be cared for together.

Your support will help us to give the best possible care to our babies and their parents.

Thanks for taking the time to read my spiele and I would encourage you to delve deeper into the amazing work that SCBU do.

Look out for me on TV on the 27th April! I'll be the red faced, limping, bald guy near the back!

Best wishes

James