A father in North London has helped raise more than £20,000 for Haven House Children’s Hospice in memory of his baby son.

Steven Brodie who lives in Whetstone has pledged to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon in Hyde Park on 9 October.

The combined fundraising efforts of Steven and his wife, Rachel, along with other family members and friends has helped raise more than £20,000 for Haven House in recent months.

Rachel and Steven Brodie turned to Haven House in Woodford Green after their son, Isaac Maxwell Brodie, was born on 1 February 2016. Just before the birth, the family discovered that he had a mass on his brain, which was later diagnosed as a tumor in the brain stem.

After two weeks of care at University College London Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital and being told there was nothing else that could be done, the family were offered a transfer to Haven House, so that Isaac and his family could spend time together.

Steven Brodie said: “We left Great Ormond Street Hospital and went to the hospice where Isaac had his ventilator removed. We were terrified but against all odds he fought for his life, and was able to breathe on his own for six whole days.

“He was a true champion and extraordinarily brave. One of the most special gifts that the hospice gave us was the chance to take Isaac outside for a walk to the local coffee shop for the first time. We can't emphasise enough how wonderful this was.

“Haven House provided us with a real home for six days. They gave us accommodation in their family flat, ordered kosher food and supported all our needs and made us as comfortable as possible. We were able to concentrate on Isaac 100% of the time knowing that there were nurses on call in the next room if we needed them.”

Eileen White, Director of Care at Haven House, said: “It was a privilege to support Rachel and Steven and their extended family during this difficult time.

“Rachel and Steven’s incredible fundraising will enable us to help other families who need our support.”

You can support Rachel and Steven’s fundraising for Haven House by visiting their Just Giving page.