A GRATEFUL father whose baby daughter survived a frightening illness at the age of only six weeks is raising money for Guardian Angels to help others like her.

Andrew Terry, 35, spent an anxious fortnight praying doctors would save little Emily, after she was struck down with the life-threatening virus, bronchiolitis.

Emily, now six, had to be treated at Leeds General Infirmary because there were no life-support machines for children at York District Hospital.

After two weeks being treated with anti-viral drugs, the plucky youngster pulled through - but thankful Andrew, of Barons Crescent, Copmanthorpe, wants to ensure other children are not put at risk.

"I dread to think what would have happened if they hadn't rushed Emily to Leeds straight away," he said.

"We were lucky the doctors at York Hospital spotted how serious her condition was and she was transferred immediately. But I'd hate to think another child was in danger because there isn't a special care unit for children at York."

During the fraught two weeks Emily was ill, Andrew's wife Tracey, 35, was able to stay at the hospital and remain by her bedside.

But Andrew, a former soldier who now runs his own cleaning company, had to remain in York to care for their elder son, Lewis, now nine.

"Those two weeks were hell because I couldn't be with them all the time," Andrew said.

The Evening Press Guardian Angels appeal aims to raise £300,000 to set up two life-saving high-dependency rooms in the paediatric unit at York Hospital.

Andrew aims to raise £1,000 by completing the gruelling 13-mile race in October and plans to split the cash between Guardian Angels and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Andrew plans to donate half the cash to Marie Curie Cancer Care, because one of his customers is Look North presenter Claire Frisby, who also running in aid of the charity.

"I used to run regularly and I hope I can finish the race in under two hours," he added.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Andrew should phone 07779167278.

Updated: 11:03 Tuesday, April 18, 2006