John will take on the challenge of a lifetime by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro later this year to say thank you to the staff who saved his baby boy Marley’s life.
When Marley was born in September 2024, his family's world changed in an instant. Following birth complications at another hospital, Marley suffered a severe brain injury and was rushed by ambulance to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Jessops, in order to give him any chance of survival.
Those first days were filled with fear and uncertainty. But thanks to the incredible expertise, compassion and dedication of the NICU team, Marley was given the very best chance and received the specialist care he desperately needed.
Today, Marley is a happy and healthy little boy. Something John says he will never stop being grateful for.
“Those early days were terrifying as a parent, but the staff Jessops were unbelievable - for Marley, his Mum and me. Their care, compassion and expertise gave Marley the best possible chance to survive and to become the amazing boy he is now, and I will forever be grateful to them.”
Now, John wants to say thank you in an extraordinary way.
“Climbing Kilimanjaro will be one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it feels small compared to what the NICU teams do for families every single day and absolutely nothing in comparison to the fight that Marley gave in the first few weeks of his life.”
John's fundraising journey has already brought his community together. Earlier this year, he organised and played in the Steel City Charity Derby at Kiveton Community Sports Park, where Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday supporters put their rivalry aside to play for Marley. After an entertaining match, the Owls ran out 5–3 winners, but the real victory was the £1,779 raised to support Jessops.
The support hasn't stopped there. Marley's nursery also got involved by completing a sponsored walk to boost John's fundraising total, showing just how many people have rallied around Marley and his family. As John prepares to take on Mount Kilimanjaro in October, he'll be carrying with him not only his gratitude for the NHS staff that saved his son's life, but also the support of a community determined to give something back.
To donate to John's Marley and Me fundraising page or track his progress, click here.
Published: Friday 19th of June 2026