Marathon man on the charity trail

Buy photos » Marathon man Nigel is hoping to raise lots of money for Tommy’s. Her he is pictured with wife Jodie, eight-month-old Noah and seven-year-old Joseph. 07.013.024.sol.nc1

THE premature birth of his son is the inspiration for a father who is set to pound the pavements in the London Marathon.

Nigel Allen's son Noah was born seven weeks early in June last year after he stopped growing and had to be delivered early, weighing just 2lb 6oz.

Nigel and his wife Jodie then faced an anxious few weeks at Noah's side in hospital as he underwent tests and treatment.

And after seven weeks the proud parents were able to take Noah home to Knowle where brother Joseph was waiting.

During their traumatic time in hospital Nigel and Jodie were given support by Tommy's, the charity which Nigel has decided to raise money for by running the marathon on Sunday, April 21.

Nigel, who is vice-chairman of Knowle and Dorridge Cricket Club, said the charity provided his family with much-needed support during the first traumatic weeks of Noah's life.

He said: "When Noah arrived we found ourselves in hospital for seven weeks. There's lots of things going on around you and people in much worse positions.

"We had maybe two or three minutes a day with the doctor and they were good but it's just not long enough.

"Tommy's gives that extra support because we just had so many questions."

Noah is now doing really well, weighing 13lb at six months, and Nigel turned his thoughts to how he could give back to the charity which helped his family.

He was previously set to run the London Marathon a few years ago but a knee injury scuppered his plans, so he decided the time was right to give it a try again.

He said: "I have always enjoyed running and running the marathon is something I have always wanted to do.

"With everything that Noah has been through in the first weeks of his life, I just think if he can get through that when he was so little then I can get through the marathon."

Nigel has a fund-raising target of £2,500, but hopes to raise more, and he has organised a nearly new sale of children's toys, clothes and equipment on March 9 at Knowle and Dorridge Cricket Club.

It will be open from 9.30am untill 11.30am and entry is £1.

To book at stall, which costs £10, email Tommysnns@gmail.com or call 01564 777515.

Visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NigelAllen for more information.

Share This

Regional news »