My dad (Geoffrey Pope/aka Grandpa Bushy Eyebrows) spent 12 weeks being cared for by Epsom and St Helier hospital this winter, initially admitted with pneumonia and type 1 respiratory failure.

Despite antibiotics, he deteriorated significantly and was admitted to ITU, first at Epsom and then sent by ambulance to St Helier where there are more extensive facilities. He spent two weeks on a ventilator and unconscious which was an extremely distressing and worrying time.

This was our first experience of the round-the-clock care that intensive care doctors and nurses provide and it was exceptional. The nurses in particular work gruelling 12 hour shifts and were always so cheerful and kept our spirits up.

After a month he moved to the renal ward where again, the care was super with the team helping him to get his strength back until he was well enough to come home in early February.

My dad is now back on the golf course - the lure of which we reckon kept him going during those dark days!

I'm walking 34km along the Jurassic Coast on the 18th May to raise some much-needed funds for Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity. This is for anything over and above what the NHS budget covers such as new medical equipment, supporting staff wellbeing and improving facilities. I do run but have never walked this distance so am hoping will be spurred on in the knowledge will be helping others like my dad experience great hospital care if they need it.

If you could spare a few pounds I'd be so grateful. We just never know when we might need the care of others in such stressful circumstances.

Thank you.