Halifax dad faces 40 degree challenge in stillbirth research fundraiser
A Halifax father whose daughter was stillborn is preparing to take on what is expected to be his toughest endurance challenge yet 鈥� walking 260 lengths of the Ancient Stadium of Rhodes in Greece under the relentless Greek summer sun in a fundraiser for University of Manchester research.
On Sunday 19 July, Ben Moorhouse (43) will spend hours walking the fully exposed central track of the ancient stadium at Monte Smith, where temperatures are expected to reach 35鈥�40掳C. With no shade, relentless sunshine and intense heat radiating from the ancient stone beneath his feet, the challenge will push him to his absolute physical and emotional limits.
The stadium, once used by athletes in ancient Greece, will become the setting for a deeply personal journey of remembrance, endurance and hope.
Every one of the 260 lengths has a meaning.
The number honours the birthday of Ben and Gaynor's daughter, Kallipateira Rodothea Moorhouse, who was stillborn on 26 October 2018 at 37 weeks of pregnancy, just two weeks before her due date. Like many stillbirths, her death was preventable. The couple also suffered a miscarriage at nine weeks in May 2019.
Holding his daughter in his arms, Ben made her a promise.
"As I held Kallipateira, I promised her that I would make sure she did not die for nothing."
Eight years later, that promise continues to drive everything he does.
Since Kallipateira's death, Ben has dedicated himself to raising awareness of stillbirth, supporting bereaved families and funding research that is helping save babies' lives.
The challenge also represents hope.
In May 2020, Ben and Gaynor welcomed their rainbow baby, Apollon Alexandros Moorhouse, after receiving specialist care from Alex Heazell, Professor of Obstetrics at The University of Manchester, based at the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre. professor Heazell is also Honorary Consultant Obstetrician at Tommy's Rainbow Clinic at St Mary鈥檚 Hospital in Manchester.
"Like Kallipateira, most stillbirths are preventable. These are beautiful, healthy babies who should be alive. Our son Apollon is here today because of Professor Alexander Heazell and his team's pioneering research. Without that research, he would not be here today."
The challenge itself has been carefully designed.
The relentless repetition of 260 lengths, the brutal summer heat, physical exhaustion and mental endurance symbolize both the ancient Olympic spirit of the stadium and the lifelong endurance required to live with the loss of a baby.
Ben's determination to face the extreme heat and relentless monotony of 260 lengths in the Ancient Stadium of Rhodes is a profound testament to his endurance and his love for Kallipateira. The grueling training he has put his body through all year shows the lengths he will go to break the silence surrounding stillbirth. The funds raised will make a huge difference to our team's medical research. Ben's extraordinary resolve is actively helping us pioneer the science that saves babies' lives and prevents other families from the devastation of stillbirth. He carries the thoughts and gratitude of our entire team with him to Rhodes
Overlooking the stadium stands the Temple of Apollon - a remarkable personal connection, as Ben's six-year-old son was named after the Greek god.
Ben is no stranger to extraordinary endurance challenges. In 2021, he became the only person ever to walk around the entire island of Rhodes nonstop, covering 150 miles continuously to raise awareness and funds for stillbirth research. He has since completed further history-making challenges on the island.
During this year's challenge, the 53rd length will be dedicated to Ben's close friend, Lawrence Mann, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
Ben said: "I am incredibly proud to take on this extreme challenge at the beautiful and historic Ancient Stadium of Rhodes. I hope it creates another small piece of history on the island while ensuring Kallipateira's legacy continues to save babies' lives.
The heat will be relentless. The conditions will be unforgiving. Every step will test me physically and mentally. But nothing compares to the pain of holding your dead baby in your arms. Every single one of those 260 lengths will be walked out of pure love.
"As I held Kallipateira, I promised her she would not die for nothing. On 19 July I will keep that promise once again. This challenge is for Kallipateira, for Apollon, for Lawrence, and for every family whose baby should have come home. I look forward to returning to my second home, the island of Rhodes, where I will honour my beautiful daughter."
Professor Alexander Heazell said: "Ben's determination to face the extreme heat and relentless monotony of 260 lengths in the Ancient Stadium of Rhodes is a profound testament to his endurance and his love for Kallipateira. The grueling training he has put his body through all year shows the lengths he will go to break the silence surrounding stillbirth.
鈥淭he funds raised will make a huge difference to our team's medical research. Ben's extraordinary resolve is actively helping us pioneer the science that saves babies' lives and prevents other families from the devastation of stillbirth. He carries the thoughts and gratitude of our entire team with him to Rhodes."
All funds raised will support Professor Alexander Heazell and his team in Manchester, helping to reduce the number of preventable stillbirths and save babies' lives.
All funds raised will support Professor Alexander Heazell and his team in Manchester, helping to reduce the number of preventable stillbirths and save babies' lives.
Donations: