A grateful dad has pledged to complete a mammoth fundraising effort to thank the medics who saved his son’s life.
Andrew Muir, 30, has vowed to run at least a half marathon every month from February to October, culminating in the gruelling Glencoe Marathon, to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Arbroath resident Andrew and his partner Sarah Cotton, 32, were left heartbroken when their son James was born 11 weeks ago with severe breathing problems.
Their baby boy was treated by staff at the SCBU and their quick intervention and skills saved his life, leaving Andrew and Sarah eternally in their debt.
“To have to sit and watch and see your son go through that is very hard but if it wasn’t for the staff at SCBU he wouldn’t be here,” said Andrew, who is preparing to enrol in a nursing course.
“I think that’s the best reason to do the fundraising. If it wasn’t for the work that they do then the sad and harsh reality is that many parents would be coming home without their babies.
“The time and effort they put in to reassuring the parents as well was fantastic.
“James was born with breathing problems and it was a terrifying experience it was heartbreaking.
“However, when you think what he went through and what the doctors did to help him, what I’m doing is nothing really it’s the least I can do.”
Andrew has been quick off the blocks in securing sponsorship and has used his local contacts to tie up support from several Angus and Dundee businesses.
He is well on his way to reaching his £1,000 target after receiving backing from The Bellrock and Party Time in Arbroath, along with the Taza Indian restaurant and Tay Shirts in Dundee.
The new dad is looking forward to the challenge but hopes others get on board with fundraising to help him reach his goal.
“I’ve done half marathon distances and more before but the Glencoe Marathon is regarded as the hardest because it’s a mountain basically,” added Andrew. “That scares me.
“I’ll be doing the running on my own but my brother will come along to take photos and provide support.”
To support Andrew, go to www.sponsorme.co.uk/andrewmuir.aspx.