8 February 2016
Head Swimming coach at the University of Bath Mark Skimming is going to cycle from Machu Picchu to the Amazon in order to raise money for the Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal (Bristol Children’s Hospital).
For the challenge Skimming will be
- Cycling an average of 50km-65km per day at high altitude a rough total of 300km - taking on several long steep continuous hills - the longest is a continuous stretch of approximately 35km of ascent
- Camping each night after the daily ride with no home comforts to look forward to
- Battling changing weather conditions from the windy coldy mountain tops, to the warm and wet cloud forest
The reason Skimming is taking part in such a gruelling challenge is because his son, Albert, was born three months early (at 26 weeks gestation) in April 2013. He was two pounds and ten ounces and spent 12 weeks in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).
Skimming commented: “The job they did was fantastic. Albert came home without need for medication or oxygen. However due to his prematurity he has chronic lung disease. When he is well he is a normal baby/toddler now becoming a teenager quickly. However he is very susceptible to respiratory illness. A cold can turn very quickly to a pneumonia.
“In Albert's first winter we avoided hospital due to the RSV injections he received every month. However once these stopped we actually spent his first birthday in hospital, in April 2014. A stay in hospital ensued every month following this. Even a two week holiday to Melbourne Australia, ended with a weeks' stay in hospital, for my wife and Albert, this meant they stayed there for two months, and had to fly home with a doctor and nurse to make sure everything was okay.
“A return to hospital in November for a three week stay. One week at home and then five weeks over Christmas and New Year in Bristol PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit), on a ventilator for three weeks. Great news home in January 2015, a new year a better year.
“We’ve had massive support from the respiratory team, with repeated out-patient visits and check-ups, but no hospital stay until October 2015 - only a short stay one night. In December unfortunately Albert picked up a bit of a cold, it turned rapidly over the two days of Christmas, we end up in hospital again on a ventilator this time for two weeks.
“We estimate Albert's care up to this point, without knowing the cost for all the drugs he has had to be approximately £300,000. Monetary value is obviously important, but the support and dedication of all the staff who have helped Albert and no doubt the ones who will help him in the future. (yes that's right we aren't out of danger yet), is immeasurable and priceless.
“I am taking this challenge to try to say a thank you and to raise as much money as I can for Wallace and Gromit's Grand appeal, supporting Bristol Children's hospital. If it wasn't for all their help and support we would not have the amazing son we have today.”
Please help this great cause by sponsoring me every little bit of help would be very welcome. www.justgiving.com/Mark-Skimming/
Text 70070 with SKIM79 between £1 - £10