A DAD from Ellesmere Port is set to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge in memory of his "beautiful baby boy" who sadly died at the age of just 19 days old.
Carl Osborne, along with a group of family and friends, are raising money for Alder Hey Children's Hospital who he says were "incredible" in caring for his son Jaxon.
The Standard reported back in August last year that Jaxon was born eight weeks premature at Wirral's Arrowe Park Hospital and had a growth on his arm which was haemorrhaging blood.
He successfully underwent lifesaving surgery but the joy of his parents – Carl and Kerry Osborne from Great Sutton – was shortlived as doctors discovered Jaxon had multiple organ failure.
After surviving the transfer to Alder Hey, Jaxon continued to amaze doctors despite undergoing major operations but an infection eventually proved too much for him to cope with and he sadly died on August 7.
Carl and Kerry, who also have a six-year-old son called Kaelin, launched a fundraising appeal for Alder Hey in his memory as a way of turning the loss of Jaxon into something positive.
With the first anniversary of his death approaching, Carl is taking on the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge – an attempt to climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours – for the hospital's #MillionMiles For Children's Mental Health.
The challenge starts on Monday, July 12.
Carl said: "On the 19th July 2020 our beautiful baby boy Jaxon Harry Osborne was born into the world. Whilst his short 19 days spent with us was incredibly cruel, he filled our hearts with such love and joy.
"As we approach a year since he graced our hearts, myself, my amazing wife Kerry, our beautiful son Kaelin, and all our family and friends wish to mark this occasion by raising money for the incredible team at Alder Hey, who were so incredible in caring for our baby boy and did everything they could to try and save his life.
"Whilst the immense sadness and despair of losing our baby will stay with us forever, so too will the appreciation and admiration we hold for the incredible team at Alder Hey, who were truly incredible in everything they did and who I know touch the hearts of so many families across the UK whose children they care for.
"Myself and a group of close friends and family are set to embark on the National Three Peaks Challenge starting on Monday 12th July and we are hoping to complete the challenge in 24 hours.
"The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales. The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft) - twice the ascent of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, over a similar total walking distance. The total driving distance is 462 miles.
"In preparation, our team will be doing numerous practice climbs in anticipation of a day of three long climbs, two long drives, and one full day with no sleep!
"All miles walked by all our team, including practice climbs will contribute to Alder Hey's #MillionMiles For Children's Mental Health.
"We hope you are able to donate as much or little as you can towards this incredible cause, for the unbelievable team at Alder Hey and in memory of our beautiful baby boy Jaxon Harry Osborne who we all love and miss so so much."
- To make a donation visit alderheycharity.enthuse.com/pf/jaxon-osborne-memorial
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