A DAD is steeling himself to push his body to the limit to raise money for Basildon Hospital doctors who saved the lives of his wife and daughter.

Richard Ellis, 37, will run 10km to his bike then cycle a further 10km to Grangewaters outdoors pursuits centre, South Ockendon, where he will climb a 25-foot tower and go down a zip slide.

He wants to raise at least £1,000 for new incubators at the Basildon Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Richard was inspired to do something in January when his pregnant wife Helen, 37, was rushed to the hospital with complications.

Doctors found their baby daughter had decided to make an appearance six weeks early, but the placenta was blocking her exit, putting both her and Helen at risk.

Thankfully, doctors managed to deliver Lottie safely and she was then transferred to the unit while Helen underwent a successful operation.

Now, by way of saying thank you to the staff, the parents want to help the hospital's Giraffe Appeal raise £60,000 to buy two more incubators.

Richard, of Hathaway Road, Grays, said: "Two of my children have been in the unit, my son Alec had a distressed birth four years ago and now my daughter Lottie.

"I said I was going to do something after Alec, but I didn't get round to it.

"It wasn't until we went back there that we realised just how fantastic they are.

"You go in there and there are 2lb babies who wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for the incubators and the fantastic staff.

"I just want to do anything I can."

If you would like to sponsor Richard, who will take up the challenge on May 25, then contact him on 07985 294466 or e-mail r.ellis06@tiscali.co.uk For more information about the Giraffe Appeal visit www.basildonandthurrock.nhs.uk/downloads/documents/VNLHUS8N48_Bas_Hosp_NICU.pdf