NICU dad ready for 400km challenge
A dad whose two sons both spent time in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is ready to take on his 400km challenge to raise money for the N&N Hospitals Charity.
Jamie Hepher has finalised his route ahead of the 400km run around the border of Norfolk, hoping to cover 35km every day for 11 days. He has already raised more than £1,500.
He will start and finish at the Orange Tree in Thornham, close to Hunstanton on the North Norfolk coast, leaving on 5 September and hoping to be back by 15 September.
The inspiration for the challenge came after Jamie his two sons, Oscar and Noah, both spent a week on NICU after being born two years apart with breathing difficulties.
Jamie, from Costessey, said: “They both spent the first week of their lives on the NICU ward, 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.”
The money raised from Jamie’s run will help fund lifesaving equipment, additional training for staff and pay for accommodation for parents so that they’re able to stay close to their baby while they’re on the ward.
He added: “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, lifesaving work. Some babies have to spend months on NICU, 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.”
Find out more and support Jamie here https://www.justgiving.com/page/runnorfolk