Oxford United analyst Ben Cirne will take on the London Marathon later this month to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust, a cause that supported his family during a critical time.
Ben's son, Hugo, was born in Colchester in December 2019 and required urgent specialist care shortly after birth. He was transferred to The Rosie Hospital more than 60 miles away, where he received life-saving treatment.
During that period, Ben and his partner Claudia stayed at Chestnut House, run by The Sick Children’s Trust, allowing him to remain close to his son while Hugo was in intensive care.
Reflecting on the experience, Ben said: “It was an incredibly difficult time, but having somewhere to stay so close to Hugo made all the difference. The support we received helped us focus on what mattered most.
“When everything happened it felt like the world was moving at a million miles an hour. Hugo had been taken away, there were lights flashing, people rushing around and suddenly we were in an ambulance heading to Cambridge.
“We consider ourselves unbelievably lucky. Hugo is doing brilliantly at school and hitting every milestone ahead of time. What happened has completely changed our outlook on life – we appreciate every single moment we have with him. He also has a little sister now, with three-year-old Phoebe adoring her big brother."
Now six years old, Hugo is thriving, and Ben is preparing to take on the 26.2-mile challenge on 26 April to give something back.
“I’m not a natural runner, but this is for a cause that means a lot to us,” he added. “If I can help other families stay close to their child during those moments, it will all be worth it.
“Thankfully, Hugo made a full recovery after a week in intensive care but the horrific stories from other parents staying on the same floor would stick with me forever. I’ll be running to help fund future families going through similar difficulties.”
Everyone at Oxford United wishes Ben the very best of luck and will be cheering him on every step of the way.
Supporters can find out more about Ben’s fundraising and donate via: bit.ly/40garUH