Running for Indie, running for Blue Skies

On Sunday, 26 April local dad James Schofield will be taking on the London Marathon in support of Blue Skies, the official Trust charity. 

His motivation for running 26.2 miles is deeply personal and rooted in gratitude for the care his family received during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

In June 2025, James and his family welcomed their daughter, Indie, into the world far earlier than expected. Born 10 weeks premature at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Indie faced an immediate fight, and the months ahead were filled with uncertainty.

James explains: “Our family was complete, but we knew the months ahead would be tough, and Indie had a fight on her hands.”

During this time, Indie was cared for by the Neonatal team at BVH, whose expertise, compassion, and dedication supported both Indie and her family every step of the way. After 43 long days, James and his family were finally able to bring Indie home.

Remarkably, just days after Indie’s arrival, James received life changing news of his own.

James said: “After 10 years of entering the ballot for the London Marathon I finally secured a space. I found out when Indie was only a few days old and the timing was perfect.” 

For James, the decision to run for Blue Skies was immediate and heartfelt.

“I knew I had to do it for the ward, and of course her!”

Now, as he prepares, James is determined to give something back to the Neonatal Unit that played such a vital role in his daughter’s early life.

“Indie was cared for by the wonderful neonatal team at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. I’d love the chance to give something back to the ward and to raise some much-needed funds to support their amazing work.”

By supporting James’s marathon journey, you’ll be helping Blue Skies continue to enhance patient care that make a real difference to babies like Indie and their families when they need it most.

Donate to James' fundraiser here.