A PENARTH family has raised more than £1,300 after completing a hiking challenge to thank staff at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend.

Nathaniel Goodhew was born more than two months prematurely and spent the first five weeks of his life in the hospital’s special care baby unit.

His mum Esther, dad Robert, brother Tom and sister Angharad wanted to give something back to the unit, not just for the tremendous care Nathaniel received but for the way they were all so well looked after.

So over two days earlier this month they walked in shifts from their home in Penarth to the Bridgend hospital, covering around 41 miles in total.

Esther and Tom did sections of the journey together, with Robert and Angharad walking the remainder.

They swapped around on the second day – with all the family, including young Nathaniel himself, finishing the final leg together.

Esther, 43, said:

“The weather was horrid on Saturday morning but not too bad in the afternoon and on Sunday – until just before we arrived at the hospital when the heavens opened.

“It was wet and windy at times but if it had been beautiful and sunny the walk wouldn’t have been the challenge it was meant to be.”

In November 2011, Nathaniel was born in the Princess of Wales Hospital by emergency Caesarean nine weeks prematurely.

Esther added: “There were some complications. Nathaniel was very unwell and we owe his life to the medical staff who cared for him during those difficult weeks.”

Nathaniel was in the SCBU for just under six weeks. He had only been home for three days when he became ill again and had to spend 10 days on the children’s ward before he could come home again.

But it wasn’t just about the care Nathaniel received. Esther said the way staff had looked after the entire family was fantastic – especially Tom and Angharad, who were aged 11 and 10 when their brother was born.

It made a huge difference at a difficult time and left the children with some very special memories of their first Christmas with their little brother.

That care and consideration continued when the family arrived at Princess of Wales Hospital at the end of their walk – all wearing t-shirts made especially for the occasion.

Esther added: “The children were taken up to the SCBU and given hot chocolate and a present each to thank them, which was incredibly kind.

“They were really touched and it was a very special end to an emotional weekend.”

Nathaniel, who will be three on November 28, and starts nursery at Albert Primary School in January, is a happy, healthy little boy. He joined his family for the last mile from Bridgend town centre to the hospital.

So far the walk has raised more than £1,300, with more coming in, with the money going to the unit’s endowment fund to improve facilities for parents.

Esther added: “We have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity, kindness and support, and want to say a huge thank-you to everyone. It was an amazing experience.”

Anyone who wants to donate can do so via

https://www.justgiving.com/Robert-Goodhew