Great North Run Spotlight – Adam’s Story

Today, we’re thrilled to bring you Adam’s Story!

In 2024, Adam and his partner Tyler were preparing to welcome their second child, a baby boy due in early December. But baby Archie had other plans.

On September 18th, more than 11+ weeks before his due date, Tyler was rushed into an emergency C-section. Adam, 300 miles away with work, got the terrifying call that Archie was arriving far too soon.

Born at just 3lbs 7oz, Archie was in significant distress, and the first 72 hours were some of the most frightening Adam and Tyler have ever experienced. There were moments they weren’t sure if their little boy would pull through.

“At times, we weren’t sure whether the little man would make it but, thanks to the incredible work of the men and women in the RVI, he stabilised.” Adam said.

What followed was a 10-week stay on the neonatal unit. This was a time filled with uncertainty, daily hospital visits, balancing full-time work, and making sure their daughter Molly was cared for and supported through the whirlwind of emotions that come with having a sibling in intensive care.

Throughout it all, Tiny Lives was there.

“They were there to provide practical and emotional support for Tyler and I, help financially with onsite parking passes, refreshments for Tyler so she didn’t have to leave Archie for long and provided a support pack for Molly to help her feel included during the process. These are just a few examples of how they helped us during our time on the ward.” Adam shares. “But there are so many more stories of how they’ve supported families like ours.”

Now, as Archie continues to thrive, Adam is taking on a personal challenge of his own: running in support of Tiny Lives.

“I could not be more honoured to run for Tiny Lives this year and feel this is only a small gesture of giving something back to a group of people that helped us through the toughest time as a family and ultimately come home as a four.”