Seven marathons in seven days for the ‘incredible’ neonatal team at Warrington Hospital 

An Orford dad is taking on an extraordinary challenge to support the neonatal unit at Warrington Hospital after the team saved his daughter’s life.

In May, Tom Dore will run seven marathons in seven consecutive days, starting and finishing at Warrington Hospital, to raise funds and essential supplies for the unit based at the Lovely Lane site.

Tom and his partner Talisa McDermott welcomed their daughter Taiya on 12 September 2024. However, complications during Talisa’s labour led to an emergency C section and when Taiya was born, she needed immediate help to breathe. Thanks to the quick response of the team, she was successfully resuscitated and transferred to the neonatal unit, where she was stabilised and cared for.

Sadly, Taiya was diagnosed with an infection which was later confirmed to be meningitis. Tom said that during her time on the neonatal unit, the team not only provided expert medical care, but unwavering emotional support.

After a two week stay on the unit, Taiya was able to go home and now, aged one, is thriving. After follow up checks, she has been given the all clear and is now walking, starting to talk and has recently begun nursery.

Tom said: “When Taiya was born, we were told the first 48 hours were vital and that is something you never forget. We had to put all our trust in the neonatal team and they were incredible in every possible way. They cared for Taiya with such skill and compassion, and they looked after us as parents too.”

Determined to give back to the team who supported his family through this difficult time, Tom began training for what will be the toughest challenge he has ever attempted. Although he has previously run the distance of a marathon, he has never completed seven in a row.

Speaking about his challenge, Tom said: “Running seven marathons in seven days will be extremely tough, but it feels small compared to what they do every single day. This is my way of saying thank you and helping ensure other families receive the same amazing care we did.”

Tom will be joined along the route by family and friends, including children from the football team he coaches, as the local community rallies behind him.
Funds raised will help Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity continue to enhance facilities and provide added support for the smallest and most vulnerable patients.

To support Tom’s seven in seven challenge, visit his fundraising page.