A father has been inspired to run the London marathon this year after his daughter was born prematurely.

Michael Rankine, from Wallington, is a stadium announcer for Crystal Palace Football Club.

Mr Rankine's daughter Chloe was born in May 2009, four weeks early and had to spend two weeks in special care.

She was born with breathing difficulties and had to be transferred from where she was born at Epsom Hospital to St Helier’s Hospital.

The family spent two weeks travelling between the two hospitals.

Mr Rankine's experiences with Chloe inspired him to run the marathon in aid of Bliss, a special care baby charity, dedicated to ensuring that all babies born too soon, too small or too sick in the UK have the best possible chance of survival and of reaching their full potential.

Mr Rankine said: "We read some of the Bliss literature while in hospital, which we found really helpful.

"Going through such an eye-opening experience, and meeting other parents, some of whom had spent far longer than us with a child in special care, made me realise how important Bliss and the work they do is."

On Sunday, April 22, over 100 runners will hit the streets of London for Bliss as part of the Virgin London Marathon team.

By taking on the 26.2 mile challenge Mr Rankine will raise funds which will enable Bliss to continue its vital work to help premature and sick babies and their families in the UK.

Last year, Bliss surveyed hospitals caring for premature and sick babies across England and found that one third are making cuts to their frontline staff.

They are asking their marathon team to support their SOS campaign (Save our Special Care Babies, Save Our Special Care Nurses) and be their SOS sprinters.

As part of the campaign they will urge the Health Secretary to help save special care babies by protecting the specialist nurses providing their care.

To sponsor Mr Rankine visit justgiving.com/cpfcmike.