When John Turner's now energetic two-year-old son Tommy was born, he had some lung issues, requiring a humidicrib and a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit at Nepean Hospital.
John and his wife Bek, from Lawson, stayed at the Ronald McDonald Nepean Family Rooms, which enabled them to remain close by their son.
"They are a sanctuary to families going through a tougher time than any family should," Mr Turner said.
"In this time we saw just how important the rooms are for local families, providing meals and a place to relax away from the beeps of machines and sick kids, and most importantly providing opportunities to keep families together."
To fundraise for these rooms, on September 29 the Springwood High teacher ran from Katoomba Hospital to Nepean Hospital.
It took him 6 hours and 15 minutes to complete the 56km.
"The run went really well for the first 45km but the last 10km were incredibly challenging," Mr Turner said.
"From Katoomba to Glenbrook I was in a pretty good rhythm and wasn't too sore. The sun got to me after that and I was feeling quite sick so I had to walk a bit of it towards the end, but seeing the hospital and knowing my family was there pushed me to finish it with a run."
This was the furthest Mr Turner has ever run. Last year as another fundraiser, he ran the 42km between his home and Nepean Hospital.
People can still donate by visiting: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/jts-run-for-nepean-family-rooms2019.
