Back in late March my Father, Graham Spittles, suffered some heart complications and was taken to, and treated at, Harefield Hospital.  My family and I will be eternally grateful for all the emergency and critical care, expertise and ongoing support my father has received from all the staff at Harefield Hospital.

Many of the wonderful staff that treated my Dad include Vas Panoulas, Konstantinos Kalogeras, Sunil K. Bhudia, Adam Rowland, James, Eimear, and Caroline (all in ICU) as well as many of the staff in the Acorn Ward and Rehab nurses including Sharron Bartlett, Jascilla, Camilia Aciu, Sarah Colgan, Caitlin Moore and Claire Chalwin. Doctor Bashir and Dr Nicholas Sims, and of course the paramedics that arrived.

Thankfully, my Dad is now on his way, recovering back to full health.

I couldn't be prouder of my family, my Dad for the remarkable strength and desire he has shown to overcome and fight through. My Mum, Carol, for always being there for Dad and us all, getting Dad to the emergency services so quickly and for always doing anything for her family.  My sister - Hannah for her support.  My wife, Emma for her constant love and strength, without which I wouldn’t been able to run this marathon and our amazing 3 children – Jonah, Ruan and Adria. And, of course, the support from my brother-in-law Rob and my nephew Jude.  My parents have 4 very special grandchildren and they are treasured dearly.

A special mention also to my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Philip who were with us supporting every day in hospital, and thank you to all our family members, friends and work colleagues who's help and support has been immense throughout, and without which this most difficult time would have been even worse. 

I have never taken part in a marathon before, only a couple of half marathons and I had only given myself 12 weeks to train. 

However, if I run, walk or crawl I am determined to overcome this challenge on Sunday 1 July; and I will be honoured and delighted to raise as much funds as possible for Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity. 

I am running the 26 mile Grand Canal Challenge starting at Royal Brompton Hospital, London and finishing at Harefield Hospital. All money raised will go towards supporting the health and welfare of patients by providing state-of-the-art equipment and new facilities, as well as supporting cutting-edge research into heart and lung conditions.

Thank you again to all the staff at Harefield Hospital for all you have done for us. I am so passionate and proud to be part of this event, to continue to acknowledge and repay what you have done for my family.

I am doing this on behalf of my entire family who I am so proud of. My family and those that helped my Dad will be my inspiration and who I will be thinking of, when I must dig deep to complete this tough challenge.

Thank you!

- Steve

If you want to donate to Steve, please visit: www.rbhcharity.org/Fundraisers/my-run-for-my-dad-graham-spittles-on-behalf-of-all-my-family-to-raise-funds-for-harefield-hospital

Or if Steve has inspired you to take on Grand Canal Challenge for yourself, visit: www.rbhcharity.org/Event/grand-canal-challenge-2018