A father has completed an emotional tribute to the specialist units at Macclesfield Hospital that supported his family through a period of personal loss and recovery.

Zach Weaver-Shojaie completed the Manchester Marathon last month, raising more than £1,500 for East Cheshire NHS Charity.

He chose to support the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit and the Special Care Baby Unit at Macclesfield Hospital as a thank you for the life-changing care their staff provided his family through both their most difficult moments and the joyful arrival of his daughter.

The achievement also follows a challenging personal recovery for Zach, who crossed the finish line after overcoming a serious car accident that had initially put his marathon plans in doubt.

"It was incredible. The support was overwhelming," he said. "Beyond the love and support in the buildup from people near and far, on the course it was the kindness and support of total strangers that kept me moving.

"It wasn't the run I anticipated in September, but perhaps even more overwhelming with the love, support, and kindness in the lead-up and to pick me up when the going got tough.

"At points, the advice was this wouldn't be possible, which despite blind optimism, deep down I thought might be right.

"One car accident, two scans, a great orthopaedist, some fantastic physiotherapists, and most of all the most wonderful wife and daughter later, it's sinking in that I was able to make good on my commitment."

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In March 2024, Zach and his partner had to come to terms with a silent miscarriage (Credit: ECNHST)

In March 2024, Zach and his partner had to come to terms with a silent miscarriage, learning about it just days before the 12-week scan.

The following May, they welcomed their daughter following a traumatic birth during which both mother and baby needed support, extending over several weeks.

It was the support his family received during this time which inspired Zach to take on the Manchester Marathon.

However, his training was severely interrupted by a car accident in September 2025.

Despite being unable to run for months, he spent much of 2026 working with physiotherapists to ensure he could cross the finish line on Sunday, April 19.

The funds he raised will enable both the hospital units to purchase those 'added extras' that go above and beyond standard NHS funding, such as specialist medical equipment and enhanced facilities for families.

Supporters can still contribute to Zachary's fundraising total by visiting his Just Giving page here.

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