A GRATEFUL dad is preparing for a gruelling 40-mile charity walk to say thanks to a charity which supported his family as his premature son battled to survive.

Alex Lindsay, 36, will walk from his home in Southend to Stevenson House, in Whitechapel, which is run by the Sick Children Trust. The home gave the family a place to stay while little Henry, born weighing just 2lb 7oz, was being treated at the Royal London Children’s Hospital.

Mr Lindsay said: “On top of the constant fear of Henry’s health, we were worried about where to stay, but the trust supported us through this time and provided home-from-home accommodation at Stevenson House, just across from the hospital. We stayed there for three months.”

Henry was born last September. After his first week in the special care baby unit at Southend Hospital, he was taken to the London hospital. He had developed complications which saw him deal with a further four operations, a bleed on the brain and pneumonia.

Mr Lindsay said: “It came as a great shock to me and my wife, Sam, and our families. But being so close to Henry while he was so fragile was of great support and comfort. The help and guidance from the house staff was crucial.”

Family members are planning to join Mr Lindsay at different stages along the route of the walk on July 15. He aims to raise £1,000 for the charity, which is extending Stevenson House. The extension will create an extra four bedrooms among other facilities. The project will allow the charity to help an additional 150 families a year.

Mr Lindsay added: “I’m expecting it to take me about 12 hours. Hopefully Henry will be able to join me in his pram for the last few miles. I’m expecting it to hurt, but if my son can fight through his operations and illnesses at his tender age, aching limbs and blisters seem nothing in comparison.”

Joan Coker, house manager at Stevenson House, added: “More than 2,000 families have been helped since the house opened in 2003 and it is one of the charity’s busiest houses. It has an average occupancy level of 95 per cent and a waiting list most nights. We are grateful for the fundraising efforts of Alex and his family.”

To donate, go to uk.virginmoney giving.com/AlexLindsay40milewalk For further information on the Sick Children’s Trust, go to www.sickchildrenstrust.org