Back in the 70's, I was working in the South-West when I received a call from my mother telling me father, who had been unwell for some time, was in Manchester Royal Infirmary and not expected to survive the day. Before the M5/M6 was full opened, I drove the 160 miles and on arrival found my dad had pulled back and seemed safe (for now). I couldn't stay, (wife was near full term), a quick coffee and drove back home. Got home wife says the hospital has called again, (no mobile 'phones in those day), dad has relapsed. Quick coffe, turned round drove back to MRI, sadly dad had gone by the time I got there. My brother was taking care of things so, quick coffee and back down the A49. Got home, wife had packed a bag, called a taxi and gone to local maternity hospital about 30 miles away. Drove there, all good and fine. No danger of birth for 24 hours, quick coffee and home again. Approx' 700 miles for the day Sadly the baby was still-born during the night, midwife fell asleep, missed her rounds and the warning signs.
Not the best 24 hours.
