I thought it would be a good idea to enter the London Marathon, but didn't actually think I'd get in! Since 26.2 miles is quite a long way, I decided to raise some money for a good cause. The Special Care Baby Unit at Darent Valley Hospital was front of mind as my son spent six days being cared for after he was born. Whilst there, we saw how donations can translate into better care; provision of specialised kit such as detectors to find tiny newborn veins to put in cannulas, through to having spare baby grows and a parents' kitchen to relieve the things new parents need to worry about.

We were lucky that our son's stay there was relatively brief. Donations to the unit help to benefit medical advances and increase nursing expertise to enable staff at Darent Valley Hospital to care for babies born with wide-ranging problems. Money raised through their Little Buds Fund helps staff to attend additional training, enhance the ward environments, and purchase the latest monitoring and life supporting equipment to care for mother and baby, to ensure the best outcomes for families.

Thank you for any donations!

Samuel Wiggins