A FATHER yesterday took the first steps of a seven-day trek to the bedside of a seriously ill girl.

Peter Miller is set to raise thousands walking the 15 miles from his family home in Bedlington, Northumberland, to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary every morning for seven days.

It comes after stepdaughter Eve Anderson collapsed on Valentine’s Day and was rushed to hospital a bleed on the brain. The eight-year-old spent three weeks in intensive care but is now on the road to recovery.

Mr Miller, a 31-year-old civil servant, has taken on the challenge to raise cash for the Tyneside-based Children’s Head Injury Equipment Fund (Chief).

“It was strangely enjoyable,” he said. “The weather wasn’t the best but to be honest I was pleased it rained, it cooled me down.

“I have got a flag with Eve’s photo on and Chief’s logo. It’s nice to be able to look up and see her face, it reminds you what you are doing it for.”

The family, which includes Eve’s mother Lee, 33, are spending their days at the hospital helping her get better. The Newcastle Hospitals Foundation Trust has also pledged to match fund whatever is raised.

Doctors have said it could take Eve 18 months to return to full health.