Dad Jamie Hepher is preparing to run 400km around the border of Norfolk this summer, after both his sons spent the first week of their lives in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Here, he explains more
A dad whose two sons both spent time in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is taking on a multi-marathon challenge to raise money for the N&N Hospitals Charity.
Jamie Hepher has started training ahead of his 400km run around the border of Norfolk, hoping to cover 30km every day for almost two weeks.
The inspiration came after his sons Oscar, four, and Noah, two, both spent a week on NICU after being born two years apart with breathing difficulties.
Jamie, from Costessey, says: ‘They both spent the first week of their lives on NICU, and my wife Vicki and I experienced first-hand the care with which staff handle every situation. The staff on the ward go above and beyond, not only for the vulnerable children in their care but for their families too who are experiencing every parent’s worst nightmare.
‘The doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants on NICU do whatever they can to make a nightmare situation a little bit easier.
‘Fortunately, our two boys only had to spend a short while on NICU, but lots of babies and their families aren’t so lucky. Some babies spend months on the ward, without knowing when they’ll be able to start their lives at home. We can’t thank the incredible team at NICU enough. No words can explain the gratitude that I feel for every one of them. Every penny raised will help them continue with their vital work.’
Jamie is now finalising the start and finish points of the route ahead of his challenge in September and is enjoying the training.
He says: ‘Since witnessing the compassion and empathy that the NICU staff showed to my family, I have been determined to fundraise whatever I can to contribute to their invaluable, life-saving work. The money raised from my run will fund lifesaving equipment, additional training for staff and even pay for accommodation for parents so that they’re able to stay close to their baby while they’re on the ward.’
Find out more and support Jamie at www.justgiving.com/page/runnorfolk. Also, visit nnhospitalscharity.
Featured images – supplied
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