A DOTING uncle is about to walk 72-miles along the Dales Way as a thank you to neo-natal staff who helped save his tiny nephew who was born 16 weeks early.

Jack Gibson weighed just 1lbs 70z when he arrived at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) after an emergency dash from Scarborough where his mum, Helen Gibson, was visiting her parents.

He spent nine weeks and two days being cared for in the neo-natal department and the first few days were touch and go, said uncle Mike Pidd.

Mr Pidd, a security supervisor for Jet2.com, will set off on the fundraising challenge on September 29 from Ilkley with his dog, Opal, and his colleague and friend, Dave Hughes.

The trio will be average 18 miles a day until they reach Bowness and the end of the walk, hoping to make about £500.

They have been packing in training between work shifts but it has not been easy said Mr Pidd, of Cragg View, Thorpe Edge, because of the airport's busiest season.

"We have been doing our best to make sure we get some training in but it's been a bit of a squeeze," the 31-year-old said.

Mr Pidd said his 29-year-old sister, Helen, who lives in Harrogate, had complications during her pregnancy, including being hospitalised with morning sickness and then being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, before her waters broke in Scarborough.

"They had to rush her by ambulance to Bradford because Scarborough Hospital did not have the equipment to cope with such an early baby," Mr Pidd said.

"It was touch and go for a few days after he was born, but he's a fantastic little guy now, he's going on for 18-months-old.

"The care Jack and our family got from the neo-natal department was amazing.

"They could not do enough to help us, they were fantastic. We could never repay them for what they did for us but I hope by doping this walk and raising funds for the department, it will say a big thank you."

The trio will be staying in bed & breakfasts along the way, hoping to collect more donations from well-wishers en route.

They hope to arrive in Bowness on October 2.

Anyone who would like to donate should visit www.justgiving.com/Dave-Hughes15.

Bradford Hospitals' charity fundraiser, Hayley Collis, said: "The funds and donations are much needed as we are continuing to support the newly refurbished neonatal department’s bereavement suite to make them feel more homely.

"It's a lovely gesture from Mike and his friends."