Dad's race for '˜miracle' son

Tom Starey rambled, scrambled and raced his way through a Strathpuffer 24 hour mountain bike race, and a 96 mile West Highland Way trek to raise the funds for the city maternity staff who cared for his won William.,

William was born at the Jessop Wing’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ten weeks early, weighing just 4lbs.

Wom, aged 36, of Hunters Bar, said: “William was our miracle baby, conceived through IVF and we were thrilled when we found out my wife, Joanne, was pregnant.

“I was away with work in Dubai when I got the call to say William had just been born ten weeks early via emergency caesarean. I felt helpless being miles away from home and was on the next available flight home.

“Joanne had to stay in hospital for five days, but William needed much longer care. His lungs were not developed and there was no time to be given steroids before his delivery, which would have helped.

“For the first week he was ventilated and on breathing aids for the next eight weeks. We were preparing to bring him home on oxygen support, however in the last week he surprised us all, and was able to breathe unaided.

“During this time it was very hard to leave him in the hospital, but the staff were very supportive, and we were, and still are, very thankful for their excellent care.”
Now aged five, Tom says William is a happy contented little boy who takes everything in his stride.

Tom added: “We cannot thank the staff at Jessops enough for all they did. Fundraising is our way of giving something back.”