A doting father has completed his second London Marathon for the charity that ensured he could stay by his son’s bedside when he was critically ill.

Gregg Thompson from Woodford Green had his life turned upside down in 2010 when his one-year-old son George went into toxic shock after burning himself with hot tea.

A few days after being sent home from hospital, George’s condition rapidly deteriorated after his burns became infected and he went into a state of toxic shock.

He was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital where he was resuscitated and put on a life support machine.

While George was in hospital, The Sick Children’s Trust provided a room for his father to stay in, so if anything happened during the night he would be just a few minutes from his bedside.

He said: “Having a child in intensive care is an emotionally exhausting experience and the thought of having to leave them alone in hospital to get the rest you need fills you with horrendous worry and guilt.

“It’s difficult to articulate just how important it is to be able to stay within walking distance of the hospital with direct phone access to the ward so you can be back with your child at a moment’s notice.

“The Trust’s Home from Home service looked after us and was there when we needed it most.”

Mr Thompson completed the marathon in four hours and 36 minutes on Sunday (April 24), cutting 15 minutes off his 2011 race time.

He raised £1,793 running the marathon this year, which adds to the £6,000 he collected for the charity after his attempt.

He said: “I was a bit hampered by a calf injury so I was pleased I managed to get round despite that.”

Mr Thompson will be putting himself through another endurance challenge this Sunday when he takes on the 12-mile Tough Mudder assault course.

He will also be doing a 100-mile cycle ride around London in July.

The Sick Children's Trust community fundraiser Diane Mcpherson–Emery said: “We’re so thrilled to have Gregg fundraising for us again.

“He’s so dedicated and it’s people like him that really help make a significant difference to the work we do, so we’re so grateful he’s taking on all these challenges for us.”

Mr Thompson added: “Like most charities, you don’t know The Sick Children’s Trust is there until you really need them, so I hope my fundraising helps raise awareness of the amazing work they do.

“George is doing fantastically now – he’s thriving at school and loves cycling and playing rugby and football his twin brother Henry.”

To donate to The Sick Children’s Trust, go to Gregg Thompson’s JustGiving page.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Gregg-Thompson6