Our son Owen was only with us for a week. During that time, he - and we - received the most outstanding and loving care we could have hoped for from the incredible staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary's neonatal ICU. The unit has just two on-site bedrooms for parents. We are forever grateful that we were able to stay in one, and spend time being a family. That week was one of the most important times of our lives, and being able to stay right there and be with Owen day and night was invaluable.

Now, the Bradford Hospitals Charity are trying to raise enough money to extend the family accommodation so that more parents can be near their babies when that closeness is needed most.

So here I go, attempting to run my first ever marathon. As I'm asking people to donate, I wanted to do something that would genuinely challenge me and require dedication. I can confirm that this fits the bill! Training in all weathers has been hard work - and even resulted in frozen hair one sub-zero night - but the cause keeps me motivated. If you're able to donate, I would greatly appreciate every pound you can give to keep pushing me on towards that finish line, and help make the neonatal unit's extension a reality.

Thanks so much,

Chris & family, and my fellow marathon runners Bob (Tom, to some of you) and Ben

For Owen.