A BARNSLEY man has completed a gruelling 12-mile run in aid of the charity that helped his daughters.
John England, from Stairfoot, took part in the challenging Hellrunner Series earlier this month to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust.
The 30-year-old became aware of the charity when his daughters Matilda and Eliza were born and needed specialist treatment in hospital.
Matilda, who was born in November 2012, developed bronchitis, a condition where the main airways to the lungs become inflamed and needed treatment in Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
During this time, John and his wife Beth were able to stay close by in Treetop House, a ‘home from home’ provided by The Sick Children’s Trust.
Just one year later, John’s youngest daughter Eliza was born and was quickly diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle.
Eliza spent a couple of days in Sheffield Children’s Hospital before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment. John and Beth were again supported by the charity.
Matilda and Eliza are both doing brilliantly now and John decided to give back to the charity that supported them by taking part in the run, where participants are faced with terrain running through challenging and winding trails.
John said: "The Sick Children’s Trust is a very special charity to Beth and I. The facilities were invaluable to us when Matilda and Eliza were in hospital.
"When your newborn baby is poorly in hospital it's so important to be close by and because of the charity’s accommodation Beth and I could be with them at all times."
John took part in the Hellrunner on November 1 at Delamare Forest Park with good friend Gary Moors, who was also fundraising for the charity.
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