Marathon effort to say thank you to medical staff

Buy photos » Wayne Porter is putting himself through the pain barrier to raise money for the hospital where his son Max, seven, was treated. Picture by Nick Hands 1112014NHR2

A FATHER from Studley is preparing to put himself through the pain barrier as a thank you to the medical staff who helped treat his son, after he was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening condition.

Wayne Porter is taking part in the London Marathon in April in the hope of raising £5,000 for Birmingham Children's Hospital after son max was diagnosed with posterior urethral valves at just five months old.

The condition caused Max to have severe difficulties urinating and led to a situation which doctors described as 'poisoning himself on the inside'. It caused his bladder and kidneys to swell. Max spent 18 months in and out of the hospital's High Dependency Unit, enduring laser surgery and a chemical re-balance while suffering from numerous water-infections.

Now seven, Max is doing well but has to visit the hospital regularly for check-ups.

Mr Porter, of Abbeyfields Drive, was full of praise for the hospital and said running the marathon was his way of repaying them.

"All the hospital staff were wonderful and the care received was magnificent. It was a scary time for us all, but Birmingham Children's Hospital were brilliant," he said.

"My Wife and I just wanted to do something to say thank you in anyway we could. A marathon is one of the hardest things to do, so what better way to thank them for all the work they did for our beautiful son."

Mr Porter has already raised more than £3,800 but is committed to reaching the £5,000 mark and as an extra incentive is offering the highest bidder the chance to choose which fancy dress costume he runs the 26.2miles in.

"The money will help to provide other children with the amazing treatment and care Max was given. Every penny counts."

Visit www.justgiving.com/wayne-porter-london2012 to donate.