Buxton Dad is taking on half-marathon challenge to say thank you to hospital

Little Eva O'Nyons had her life saved by the team at Sheffield Hospitals.

Last November, Matthew O’Nyons’ daughter Eva was born at the Jessop Wing Maternity Unit at just 32 weeks.

She was not breathing, and the medical team worked for nine minutes before the tiny baby let out her first cry and was then rushed to intensive care.

Matthew’s fiancé Bec was cared for on the postnatal ward following an emergency cesarean section and the couple were finally able to take their new daughter home nearly five weeks later.

Matthew, an electrical engineer, is now taking on his the Sheffield Half-Marathon – his first ever attempt at such an event – to thank the hospital and to help parents going through a similar journey.

He is aiming to raise £500 and said: “It feels great to be able to give something back after all the support we received through the pregnancy, birth and time spent in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with baby Eva.

“I really wanted the opportunity to help others going through the same thing especially as we received extra support as Bec’s water broke at only 22 weeks.

“By running my first ever half-marathon I thought I could contribute to the incredible work delivered at the maternity hospital.”

Sheffield Hospitals Charity is an official charity partner of the Asda Foundation Sheffield Half-Marathon.

Rebecca Slow, community and events fundraiser at Sheffield Hospital Charity, commented: “We are very appreciative of Matthew’s fundraising and given his personal connection to the Jessop Wing it makes his efforts even more inspirational.

“We would like to wish Matthew all the best with his first ever half marathon and if Matthew’s story has inspired you, then please get in touch as there are still places available to run on behalf of Sheffield Hospitals Charity.”

The event takes place on March 29.

For more information on how you can support Matthew or to make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-o-nyons.

Alternatively, please visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/ to book your charity place.