A FATHER-to-be from Atherton is running the Malta Marathon to raise money for the Royal Bolton Hospital’s maternity unit.

Danny Davies, 36, and his wife Clare, 32, tragically gave birth to a stillborn son, who they affectionately called Spud, in 2013.

Despite dealing with this heartbreak Danny rounded up a team of family and friends to run the Manchester Survival of the Fittest – a 10km obstacle course – to raise cash for the maternity unit.

The group raised £1,600 but sadly the couple have since had to overcome a further two miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy.

Danny says that the care and support the 'fantastic' maternity unit has given to the couple has been ‘second to none' throughout their ordeal, which is why he is donning his running trainers once again.

Danny, who is from Atherton, said: "I wanted to do something a bit different and running a marathon is on my bucket list of things to do before I am 40.

"I have done a half marathon before but this is definitely much more gruelling, especially training in the weather we have had recently.

"It has been hard work."

The 26.2-mile marathon will take place on February 26 and Danny has set up an online fundraising page with a £500 target, which has so far reached £394.

He added: "I want to complete it in under four hours but I think I am as prepared as I can be.

"The hospital staff have supported me and Clare 100 per cent.

"The NHS gets such a bad press but I wanted to show that they do great things."

The couple are now expecting again and Claire is to be induced on Tuesday.

Danny said: “It hasn't been plain sailing, but with the excellent services provided we are closing in on that wonderful date.”

Danny, who has lost 13st since he began running three years ago, added: "Clare has been really supportive and we are keen to keep fundraising for the unit in the future.

"I don't think I will do another marathon though."

To donate go to justgiving.com/DannyPondoDavies, or follow Danny's marathon blog on bit.ly/1O2ZhmX.