A MUM from Bitterne will be among those on the start line with a special reason to finish the race.

Amy Daniels will be running to say a great big thank you to all those who have helped care for her son William who was born prematurely.

He was born at 24 weeks old, weighing just 1lb 6oz with red, transparent skin and in need of resuscitation.

Amy and husband, Mark, 29, had seconds with their newborn son before he was whisked to the neonatal unit at Princess Anne Hospital.

Within the first 24 hours of his life, William suffered a bleed on the brain and in the following weeks his left and right lung collapsed, he had a perforated oesophagus and jaundice.

They spent more than three months at Princess Anne, with William suffering a variety of complications due to his premature birth, but the Daniels family were able to take him home, one week after his due date.

And now, Amy is determined to help the hospital staff who worked hard to save her baby. “William endured more than most of us would in a lifetime but he is now happily settled at home and without the neonatal unit at Princess Anne, these premature babies wouldn't survive.”

She added: “The care William received was exceptional and he is just one of hundreds of babies the neonatal unit cares for each year.

“I hope the money I raise will go some way to show my thanks for giving William the best start in the most challenging few months of his life.”

To support Amy's cause, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AmyDanielsFundraising