Couple on fundraising walk for hospice

Mark and Natalie McLeod have been receiving support from Hope House Hospice

The parents of a nine-month-old baby with complex needs are aiming to walk 1,084 miles to raise money for the hospice that has been caring for him.

Natalie and Mark McLeod plan to walk seven or eight miles a day with their son, taking walks around their home near Shrewsbury.

Their son, George, was born with severe motor and cognitive impairments, cannot feed, is partially blind and experiences seizures.

Since he was two months old he has been supported by Hope House Children's Hospice near Oswestry.

The couple have travelled 50 miles (80km) so far, along with their two dogs, and aim to finish on George's first birthday on 4 November.

Along the route they have planned a number of visits and photo opportunities and have so far raised £300 for the hospice.

Mr McLeod said: "Life is extremely difficult for us but more difficult for George. It breaks our hearts to see our baby boy in pain and feel hopeless as parents when we can't console him.

“Hope House provides us a safe space where we can relax with no prejudice surrounded by people who understand.”

Mr McLeod said he and his wife were often exhausted because their son did not sleep well, so the walks gave them motivation to keep going.