Father set to raise Â£3,000 for the Northampton hospital that 'saved my little girl's life'

Laura was rushed to Northampton General Hospital, the only nearby hospital to Warwickshire that could help her deliver her baby.

He is running, swimming and climbing through the WOLF run to raise Â£3,000 for a new incubator at Northampton General Hospital.

Simon Quirke, 35, from Warwickshire, and his partner, Laura, were expecting their first child in early April.

But Laura's water suddenly broke on February 3 - 10 weeks premature.

Isabella-Rose was born ten weeks premature at just 2lb 5oz.

Simon said: "We were taken to our local hospital in Warwickshire and all we could do was hope our child would be alright. But when we got there we were told they weren't equipped to help us.

"Amongst all that emotional stress and worry, it was a dreadful thing to hear.

"We had to be taken to the nearest hospital that could look after Laura and our baby, which was Northampton General Hospital."

Simon and Laura were rushed to Northampton by ambulance, where Laura gave birth to Isabella-Rose Quirke.

Simon and Laura Quirke with their daughter, Isabella-Rose.

She weighed just 2lb 5oz and had numerous complications.

But Simon says the care he and his new family received at Northampton General Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit was 'fantastic.'

Simon said: "They saved her life. They were absolutely brilliant and so supportive. We trusted them 100 per cent and they are a fantastic team.

"I can't thank them enough."

Isabella-Rose went home for the first time two weeks ago after nearly three months in care.

Simon is now set to raise Â£3,000 for the hospital at an extreme charity challenge run.

Set in Warwickshire, The Wolf Run - where 'wolf' stands for 'woods, obstacles, lake and fields' - is a 10km off-road challenge course where participants run, jump and swim through lakes, hills, mud pits, fallen trees, marshes and whatever else nature puts in their way.

Simon said: "Laura completed it a few years ago but I backed out. Now I want to complete it and give my donations to Northampton General Hospital."

Northampton General Hospital needs Â£37,000 to buy a new specialist incubation station for premature babies.

Simon is now set to raise 3,000 for the unit that save his little girl's life.

Simon said: "My target was Â£250. But my story must have just resonated with people. In just a month I've raised Â£3,000.

"I just hope I can see it through and show my thanks to the wonderful staff at the hospital."

Simon will take on the Wolf Run on April 9.

After nearly three months in care, Isabella-Rose was taken home for the first time two weeks ago. She is now 8-weeks-old.