A DAD who feared his daughter might not see her first birthday is preparing for a pair of gruelling challenges to help other families with sick children.

Little Aoife Williams, of Thomas Road, Clacton, celebrated her first birthday last week.

But almost a year ago to the day her parents David and Tina were terrified their daughter might not pull through.

Complications arose when they got to Clacton Hospital and the unborn baby’s heartbeat plummeted.

They were rushed to Colchester and an emergency Caesarean section was carried out before baby Aoife was transferred for specialist care at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

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

Dad David said: “We didn’t know what was going to happen and it was an incredibly scary time for us.

“We felt helpless, but all we could do is be there and enjoy every second we had with Aoife.

“A year on, it is amazing to see how far Aoife has come. Talking about that time is still very emotional for Tina and me.”

While their tiny daughter was undergoing intensive treatment, David and Tina stayed for ten days in free accommodation next to the hospital, which was 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 in 24 hours.

It is hoped the event will raise almost £30,000, which will help the Sick Children’s 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 Sick Children’s 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.

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

People can sponsor David’s half-marathon effort at just giving.com/24h2lm