A DAD is in training to take on his first ironman challenge in Bolton this summer to raise money for the baby care unit which helped save his son's life.

Engineer Chris Ward, aged 30, of Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge, will take on the tough course – a two and a quarter mile- swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon on July 16.

Chris and his wife Samantha, aged 26, have a healthy two-year-old son, Alfie – but without the special care baby unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital, things could have been very different.

Chris said: "During labour, Alfie became distressed, resulting in an emergency delivery with forceps. He was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit due to his blood gasses being very low.

His blood tests later revealed high levels of infection and he was treated for suspected sepsis.

Alfie spent the next week of his life in the special care baby unit on antibiotics and underwent a lumber puncture.

Chris explained: "Thankfully his infection levels started to go down a little bit each day. As well as all of this, Alfie was struggling to feed. My wife decided to express and feed by bottle.

"Although the equipment was there, it was always in high demand. A lot of mums were sharing breast pumps or waiting around for one to become available.

"All in all the team at the unit were amazing and made Alfie well enough to come home so we could start our new adventure as a family."

Martin is hoping to raise enough money so that the unit will be able to purchase a breast pump, which will help mothers who are having difficulties expressing milk.

To donate, text MRAW90 along with a donation of either £5 or £10 to 70070

He added: "They looked after Alfie as if he was one of their own and they did an amazing job. My fundraising will be a small token of our appreciation."

Chris works in Rawtenstall while Samantha teaches at a primary school in Bury.

Meanwhile, Chris, who is a third dan black belt in jiu jitsu, is building his fitness schedule which involves everything from early morning swims, cycling to work, spin classes and road running.

Visit Chris' JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christopher-ward16?utm_id=25