A DAD who feared his daughter might never see her first birthday is preparing for gruelling challenges to help other families with sick youngsters.

Little Aoife Williams was left fighting for her life. Complications arose when parents Dave and Tina got to Clacton Hospital and the unborn baby’s heartbeat plummeted.

An emergency caesarean was carried out at Colchester General Hospital, before Aoife was transferred for specialist care at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.

She was placed in intensive care with severe breathing problems, suffering from meconium aspiration syndrome.

David , of Thomas Road, Clacton, said: “We didn’t know what was going to happen and it was an incredibly scary time.

“We felt helpless, but all we could do was be there and enjoy every second we had with Aoife. A year on, it is amazing to see how far she has come."

While their newborn daughter was undergoing intensive treatment, David and Tina were able stay in free accommodation for ten days next to the hospital, organised by the Sick Children’s Trust.

David is now gearing up to help the charity. He is set to run the 13.1-mile Royal Parks half marathon to boost its coffers.

He has also organised a “unique” cycling event, taking 45 riders on a 360 mile route from London to Le Mans, France, in 24 hours.

It is hoped the event will raise nearly £30,000, which will help the trust provide accommodation for 50 families.

David added: “Aoife’s start to life was such a rollercoaster and we couldn’t have got through it without being close to her.

“Everything I’m doing now is about making a difference to other families who are going through the same thing and could be helped by the trust.

“The run could be interesting because I’m not naturally athletic and it is hard to find the time to train, but, hopefully, the hard work will pay off.

“But the main event is the cycling next year, which is already over-subscribed.

“These things can make a colossal difference to people struggling as we were while their children are in a hospital bed. It’s something I can give back after the help we had.”

To sponsor David, visit justgiving.com/24h2lm/