FATHER of two Alastair Demick said he was ‘blown away’ by the support he received for a daunting running challenge in memory of his son.

Alastair, 42, from Knutsford, ran 60,000 metres on Saturday to raise awareness of and funds for a charity which helps babies born too soon.

Knutsford Guardian:

Alastair has a hug from his sons

There are 60,000 such babies in the UK, and the charity 4Louis provides memory boxes and Moses baskets for families whose babies have died.

Knutsford Guardian:

Alastair was watched by his family via Facetime as he ran the route

On December 1 2019 Alastair’s third son Andrew was born too soon, and Alastair was running for a charity which supported him and his wife Julie in their ‘darkest hour’.

Knutsford Guardian:

Alastair ran with Oliver Bate on one of the legs

He said: “With justgiving, additional donations and gift aid, 4Louis will receive almost £10,400, which is phenomenal.

Knutsford Guardian:

Alastair was joined for one of the legs by fellow 'superhero' Jane Kiely

“Our friends and family have been incredible supporting this run, physically and virtually.

“To all of my friends who did socially-distanced runs with me, thank you. I would not have made it without you.

Knutsford Guardian:

Thumbs-up from Alastair and Chloe Knowlson, who joined him for one of the legs

“I also want to thank the people of Knutsford. The waves and beeps, the shouts of ‘go on Al’ spurred me on when my mind and body were faltering.

“The main person to thank my wife Julie. She stayed up the full 24 hours too, making me food and drinks, rubbing tired legs and encouraging tired minds. The amount raised is going to make such a difference to the charity.

“Our beautiful baby boy Andrew was born too soon, and we are not alone. 60,000 babies are born too soon in the UK every year, leaving families drowning in grief, confused, lost, angry and upset.

“Christmas can be such a tough reminder of what could have, and should have, been. When Andrew was born we were fortunate to have had the most incredible care and emotional support from the midwives at Macclesfield Hospital and were given a memory box by the 4Louis charity.

“This box was a godsend for us and helped provide us with some very special memories of our third son.”