A DAD has committed to "series of crazy charity events" after doctors at Alder Hey Children's Hospital saved the life of his six-day-old daughter.
In August, Matthew Morrey and his partner Alisha had the terrifying experience of rushing their newborn baby, Nova, to hospital just days after she was born.
Determining that Nova had a heart defect and a narrow aorta that wasn't pumping as much blood around the body as it should, doctors at Alder Hey Children's Hospital said that she required urgent surgery.
After the life-saving operation was a success, Matthew has committed to a range of fundraisers to raise money for Alder Hey and show his appreciation to all those who helped his family.
READ > High school shows huge progress in fantastic first Ofsted report
Matthew, 26, said: "We were in the hospital for just over a week, and what all the hospital staff did for us was incredible.
"Not just the surgery, but the staff was always happy to help with anything we needed.
"They sorted us accommodation while we were there, helped with changing the baby, and offered us mental health support too."
Following Nova's surgery in August, Matthew said she is a "happy and healthy" baby who is eating and sleeping well.
She has to undergo further heart surgery next month, but this is hoped to be the final operation she will need to have.
Raising money for Alder Hey, Matthew and his friend Daniel Andrews have committed to five Tough Mudder competitions in 2023, including Europe's "toughest" obstacle course in Grantham.
Matthew is also organising a 12-hour driving range challenge in Astley and a 24-hour gaming stream to try and raise as much money as possible for the children's hospital.
Looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead, the prison officer added: "I just feel very lucky that we have a specialist children's hospital 30 minutes down the road, that was able to save Nova's life.
"The care they showed my daughter, and how they treated me and my partner was just incredible.
"I wanted to give something back by raising money in a completely bonkers way, to inspire people to donate to an excellent cause."
To support Matthew's year of fundraising and donate to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, you can visit this link.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here