Fell runner takes on incredible challenge for his beloved granddaughter.

Gary Shorrock is running a 47-mile lap around Windermere to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

On May 13, Gary will run 47 miles with 8500 feet of ascent within a 10-hour time limit.

One Christmas Eve, just before midnight Gary received a phone call from his daughter Ella. She said, “Dad! We’re in an ambulance, we’ve got the blue lights on to get to Wigan Hospital with Olivia.”

Olivia had developed breathing difficulties and told her mummy she couldn’t breathe. After the phone call, Gary quickly got dressed and went outside.

He said: “I was physically sick. I got into the car and drove to Wigan hospital. As I entered the room where Olivia, Ella and Robbie were, there were about eight doctors and nurses working on my granddaughter. I suddenly realised how serious this was.”

A doctor explained they needed to put Olivia into an induced coma and transfer her to a specialist children’s hospital.

Alder Hey Childrens Hospital took Olivia into care, and she was transferred on Christmas morning around 5am.

For the next 5 days, Alder Hey Childrens Hospital gave Olivia 24-hour care whilst she was in the coma.

Olivia had Strep A, Flu A, Pneumonia and Sepsis; her right lung had collapsed.

After constant treatment and care Olivia was well enough to be brought out of the coma and breath for herself. Although she was very weak, 2 days later Olivia was allowed home where her recovery continued.

Gary said: “The speedy response from the paramedics, The staff at Wigan Hospital and Alder Hey Childrens Hospital saved Olivia’s life. We will be forever thankful and indebted to them. I could never repay them for what they did and for what they do every day.”

Over the years, Gary has raised funds for lots of charities, this time he is running for Alder Hey, because they are very close to his heart.

Gary has run the lap twice before, which is why he has added a time limit to his challenge.

Gary said: “If I’m struggling, I’ll think what Olivia went through, what the doctors and nurses did. The words “Mummy I cannot breathe” will help me push through anything. So, I’ll get out of breath, it’ll hurt but if it helps raise money for Alder Hey then I’m happy, it’s the very least I can do. Alder Hey help children and families like ours every single day. Olivia is my life.”

He started with a target of £5000, Gary’s GoFundMe is already at £6497 with 182 supporters.