Big miles for little lives: Ben takes on the London Marathon for Neonatal Intensive Care
- Written by Anita Kincade
- Posted: 24 Mar 2026
- 2 min read
On 26 April 2026, Ben will take on the iconic 26.2‑mile London Marathon in support of our charity, raising funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It’s a cause deeply rooted in his family’s story.
Jacob’s early arrival
No parent imagines needing NICU care, but last year, Ben and his partner Daney were suddenly faced with the unimaginable. Their son, Jacob, arrived 12 weeks early at just 28 weeks gestation, weighing a tiny 2lb 4oz.
Thanks to the team at Queen’s Hospital Burton, Jacob was resuscitated and stabilised before being transferred to the Royal Derby Hospital, where he spent the next 12 weeks in NICU.
Ben tells us “The NICU journey is a rollercoaster – unpredictable, emotional and full of highs and lows.”
The NICU team cared for Jacob around the clock, supported Ben and Daney during the toughest moments and provided countless small acts of kindness.
“Staff made us cards/photo collages, decorated his incubator, gifted Jacob personalised books, a special teddy bear and always went the extra mile to make an overwhelming situation feel just a little easier.”
Ben
Today, Jacob is a happy, cheeky, unstoppable toddler – a living reminder of the care that made all the difference.
“I could’ve chosen any charity,” Ben says, “but raising money for the NICU means something personal. The unit and the staff made such a big impact on our lives and we’d like to thank them.”
Training for something bigger
Ben admits he underestimated the physical commitment of running four times a week in all weathers, juggling family life and training demands. Ben tells us, “When motivation dips, I think of Jacob and back to all the reasons I chose to do this.”
Ben recently completed a half marathon and is feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement for the big day, saying, “It’s difficult to imagine how I’m going to complete this distance twice on the day but I’m motivated to get round. I know Jacob will be proud and I’m determined to earn a medal for him.”
Why support matters
Like many NHS units, the Derby NICU relies on charitable donations to:
- Upgrade equipment
- Enhance staff and parent facilities
- Fund staff training
- Create calmer, more supportive environments for families
By running the London Marathon, Ben says, “I hope to support other families facing this journey and ensure they receive the same attentive care that my family did.”
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Ben and to each of our 16 runners who have committed themselves to taking on the London Marathon in support of our charity and their local hospitals. Our NICU cares for some of our community’s most vulnerable babies, and Ben’s fundraising will make a meaningful difference to our tiny patients and their families during an incredibly challenging time. I also want to wish Ben the very best of luck – I have no doubt that Jacob will be incredibly proud of you for completing the marathon and bringing home a medal.”
Jill Matthews, Chief Officer
How you can support Ben
Ben’s marathon is not just a personal challenge, it’s a heartfelt thank you to the local NICU teams who helped his little boy thrive.
If you’d like to sponsor Ben and support NICU services at your local Derby & Burton Hospitals, please visit his JustGiving page here. Trigger warning: this link contains images related to premature birth.
Joining Team DBHC for London Marathon
If you have secured a ballot place in the London Marathon, there is still time to join Team DBHC. We would be delighted to have you on board. For further information, please click the button below.
Looking ahead, we have places for the 2027 London Marathon and these will be offered via an application system. Please follow our social media channels for updates on when applications are open.