Grandad doing marathon to raise funds for Grace Research Fund

A granddad is preparing to run in his first London Marathon next month to raise money for a Coventry charity in memory of his granddaughter.

Sixty-year-old Peter Boote will be taking part in the 26-mile trek in memory of Charlotte Mary Boote who died 13 hours after her birth in the neonatal unit at the University Hospital, Coventry, in December 2007.

He will be raising money for the University of Warwick Grace Research Fund which helps premature babies and their families at Warwick Hospital, the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton and the University Hospital.

Peter said Charlotte was the daughter of his son, Mark, and his partner, Magella, who live in Rugby with Charlotte’s two brothers Dylan, aged four, and Andrew, aged one.

“Charlotte had to be brought into this world early because when Magella went for a regular check-up with the midwife in Rugby, her heartbeat was irregularly fast,” he said.

“Charlotte was born on December 14 by emergency caesarean but despite all the neonatal unit efforts, she died 13 hours later. Later it was discovered she had developed a rare heart arrhythmia, which had caused damage to the heart.

“I wanted to raise some money into this kind of research because although all problems experienced by premature babies will not be solved, hopefully further progress can be made.

“I tried to enter the London Marathon last year but it was full so I applied again and was successful this year.”

Peter has been training three mornings a week around his Ernesford Grange home and Coombe Country Park in preparation for the London Marathon on April 25.

Dr Andy Coe, consultant paediatrician at the University Hospital, said he was grateful to Peter and everyone who was supporting him through donations.

“This is the sixth year of the Grace Research Fund and it is a Coventry and Warwickshire charity which focuses on premature babies and their families who are looked after at hospitals throughout our area,” he said.

“Charlotte sadly died shortly after her birth despite everyone’s best efforts and the money raised by Peter during the London Marathon will go towards our research to help families like Peter’s.”

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/uow and type in Peter Boote.

PICTURE CAPTION: Peter Boote (right) who is raising money for the University of Warwick Grace Research Fund with Dr Andy Coe

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