A DAD has challenged himself to run one of the UK’s toughest half-marathons last month after his daughter’s life was saved by “total angels” at Whiston hospital.

Taking place on August 22, Antony Mccoag completed the gruelling 11-mile run through Snowdonia National Park to raise money for Whiston and St Helens Hospitals Charity, and say thank you to Whiston hospital staff.

Antony, from Whiston, decided to take on the challenge after being blown away by the life-saving treatment his daughter received at Whiston hospital, as well as the emotional support him and his partner were given as first-time parents.

At nine weeks premature, Antony’s daughter Freya was miraculously delivered via an emergency c-section in April 2020, described as the “most terrifying and joyous moment of [his] life”.

St Helens Star: Baby Freya born 9 weeks early weighing 4lb 2oz at Whiston Hospital in April 2020 Baby Freya born 9 weeks early weighing 4lb 2oz at Whiston Hospital in April 2020

In order to keep her alive, however, Freya remained in a Special Care Baby Unit for around a month and given emergency oxygen to ensure she could breathe.

Antony explained how this intensely difficult period was only alleviated by the support of hospital staff at Whiston, as he was only able to see his daughter and partner – who remained in hospital - for an hour a day due to coronavirus restrictions.

Antony, 31, said: “Obviously you want to be there as much as you can with your new baby and partner, so it was hard to come home to an empty house and I was constantly clock-watching for when I could next visit.”

Nevertheless, Antony and his partner were supported through these anxious few weeks by the “truly amazing and total angels” on the ward at Whiston.

St Helens Star:

St Helens Star: Antony completed the gruelling 11.3 mile challenge through Snowdonia National Park, picking up baby Freya to pass the finish lineAntony completed the gruelling 11.3 mile challenge through Snowdonia National Park, picking up baby Freya to pass the finish line

With the constant care from hospital staff, baby Freya was able to go home to her mum and dad after a months stay in the special care unit.

With no complications due to her premature birth, Antony said: “It’s so good to see her happy and healthy. It’s amazing.”

Reflecting on the care his family received at a crucial time in his daughter’s life, Antony decided to take on the Snowdonia challenge - which sees competitors run through the gruelling hills and deep forests of Snowdonia National Park.

Set as a personal challenge to raise funds and awareness for Whiston hospital staff, Antony has presently raised £570 - almost double his target.

Explaining his reasoning to run the charity half-marathon, Antony added: “The care that [staff] provided not only to Freya but also to us as first-time parents was out of this world.

“I am in awe of them all and still not sure how they cope in such an emotional environment. They are simply fantastic.”

Charity Fundraiser, Claire Simmo said, “We are blown away by Antony’s kindness and commitment to our hospitals’ charity, how he has managed to find the time to train for a half marathon and be a first time dad to beautiful Freya is beyond me but we are very, very grateful.”

To donate to Antony’s fundraiser for Whiston and St Helens Hospitals Charity, visit this link

St Helens Star: Antony with "happy and healthy" Freya in AugustAntony with "happy and healthy" Freya in August