A dad of two has decided to run the equivalent of Newcastle to central London in recognition of the crucial care his sons received after they were born.
Jamie Hepher has never run a marathon before, but now the graphic designer is stepping away from the screens and into the streets to run a multi-marathon, which will take place across 13 days.
The 31-year-old, from Costessey, will run 400km - the entirety of Norfolk's border - to fundraise for Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (Nicu).
Staff in the Nicu cared for both Jamie and his wife Vicki’s sons, where they spent the first weeks of their lives after experiencing breathing difficulties. Oscar, four, and Noah, two, are now “happy and healthy boys” who have had no further health issues since.
Jamie said: “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.
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“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by everyone’s support, I’ve even had strangers donating £10 or £20 which is amazing – it goes to show what that ward does and how much it changes people’s lives.”
Jamie is running 70k a week to train for the multi-marathon.
He added: “I don’t have much experience with running, before this it was very much a light recreational hobby to keep myself fit.
DONATE: Sponsor Jamie's Run Norfolk challenge
“It’s getting harder to fit the distances in as they’re getting longer - on certain days I run 30k which takes the best part of three hours.
“All this running alongside raising two boys and work is testing, but I really just want to do everything I can to show my appreciation.”
Jamie’s JustGiving page has already raised £1,470 of his target of £1,500 ahead of the September challenge.
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