Teacher runs Virtual London Marathon for neonatal unit

Primary school teacher, Tom Williams, has run the Virtual London Marathon resulting in him raising at total of £1,128.75 for charity.

The 36-year-old, who lives in Sudbury, took part in the event with the aim of boosting the funds of the My WiSH Charity, which supports the work of the West Suffolk Hospital, and as a way of thanking them for the care they provided for his son Spencer.

The money is being directed towards the neonatal unit where Spencer was born in May this year.

Soon after his birth his son was diagnosed with an infection called Group B streptococcal.

Tom, who teaches at Pot Kiln Primary School, said Spencer was admitted to the ward where he received “unbelievable care and treatment”.

After a week of antibiotics, blood tests and a lumber puncture he and Spencer’s mum Fay, 33, a beauty therapist who works in Bury St Edmunds, were given news that he had been given the all clear and was able to come home to be with his mother and father and elder brother Finley, aged three-and-a-half.

Tom added: “I will be forever indebted to all the staff at the hospital for all their care and support to Spencer and us as a family, especially during the Covid pandemic.

“Spencer has made a full recovery but only because of the staff at the neonatal ward. They are incredible and look after all the babies in their care as if they were their own.”

Tom, who previously taught at Hardwick Primary School, in Bury St Edmunds, completed the course round Sudbury and the surrounding villages in four hours and 53 minutes and said most of the money raised came from family and friends.

“I have done the London Marathon before but did not get in this year but had the option of doing it virtually.

“I kind of fell into running and got a bug for it. All the training I did myself and went out most mornings at 4am.

“And I did it for the neonatal unit as I felt indebted for everything that they did for us,” said Tom.

Sally Daniels, fundraising manager, said it was a pleasure to meet the family. “Tom’s kind words are so true. The neonatal staff really do treat everyone like a family member. This donation is incredible and will make such a difference to other families in the future.”

Written by Russell Cook for My WiSH Charity

Main photo: Tom and Spencer Williams with Karen Ranson holding the cheque for £1,128.75 for My WiSH.