Where he will run the Paris Marathon!
Roehampton resident Tom Herbert is taking up a big challenge this year. Not content with cycling 300 miles from London to Paris, once he has got there he will also run the Paris Marathon all to help raise funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.
Tom is riding and running to support the NICU because when growing up in Somerset, his brother Milo, now aged 10, spent the first 3 months of his life being cared for in the unit following his premature birth in 2001.
Tom told PutneySW15.com:
“It’s a huge challenge and it’s going to be amazing to be doing it, knowing everyone is rooting for me back in Somerset & London. It’s a great cause and I can’t wait to get started!”
Milo added:
“I’m really happy my brother is supporting premature babies like me, because they need a bit of help and the NICU makes it possible for them to lead happy, healthy lives like mine!”
The cycle to Paris sets off on April 11th, arriving in the French capital two days later with the marathon taking place on April 15th. Tom will be accompanied on the cycle by his Dad (who a few days later will celebrate his 50th birthday), and by Jamie Mason who is also doing the Cycle + Marathon challenge to support Bone Cancer Research.
Tom’s Dad, David, also said:
“I cant wait to celebrate my birthday with all the things I love: a long bike ride, my whole family and a trip to France - all for such a great cause which is so close to all of our hearts. The only downside is that I have to go back to work the next day! ”.
Over the past couple of years this unit has undergone major refurbishment with the old and tired facilities that had outgrown their use being turned in to parent accommodation, staff offices and seminar space. Sitting proudly next door is the new Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care, the first environmentally sustainable premature baby unit in Europe.
Natalie Hannam, Events Fundraiser for the Appeal commented:
“This ground breaking new unit has been open to patients since July last year and already treated over 300 babies in that time. Although the unit is now complete the needs of this kind of facility are ongoing with updates in new equipment happening almost weekly. The unit welcomes supporters such as Tom to help them now to purchase the latest new equipment to continue to make this the unit the very best it can be.”
If you would like to support Tom in his Cycling and Marathon challenge please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Tom-Herbert0 , to find out more about the Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care please visit www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk .
March 23, 2012