Ian's 100-mile charity challenge

This Devon dad is running 100-miles over 10 weeks for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, taking his 9-month-old son Arthur along for the ride in his buggy.

Ian has already travelled 76 miles with Arthur in tow and plans to complete the running challenge later this month.

I am so grateful to The Grand Appeal. I was overwhelmed with the support I received from them when Arthur was in NICU, being able to stay at Cots for Tots House made a huge difference to a stressful experience.

The final half-marathon will be completed as part of the Grand Run – our new virtual running event raising money for Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Ian was inspired to support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after Arthur required specialist care at St Michael’s Hospital when he was born. Arthur had difficulty breathing and required continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the first 11 days of his life.

Ian and Jeni, his partner received the best Christmas present when they were given the news Arthur was well enough to come off the CPAP on Christmas Day.

Together Arthur and I are taking on forests, beaches, moors and roads across Devon. He loves it when we go fast over the bumps and small jumps, although he has slept through about half of the challenge so far!

Could you help a child like Arthur? We are asking runners across the South West to lace up your running shoes and make your miles matter for sick babies and children across the region who are being treated at Bristol Children’s Hospital. The date, distance, speed, and how much you raise is up to you.