Former-policeman Chris Bibby, of High Street, suffered through some anxious times after his daughter Katie was born 11 weeks premature in January 2004 weighing just 2lb 13oz.
Thanks to the sterling work of the Bliss charity for premature babies, Katie is now a healthy four-year-old who is ready to start school this year and her dad wants to give something back by raising donations.
The 29-year-old will take on a gruelling 190 mile coast-to-coast walk next month stretching from St Bees Head on the west coast to Robin Hood's Bay on the east and passing through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors.
The intrepid trio, including Chris' brother Carl and friend Daniel Johns, plan to set off on May 19 and complete the trek in just 11 days.
Chris said: "My partner actually gave birth at home all by herself while she was on the phone to the ambulance crews, and when the police and ambulance arrived, they had to break in.
"When they got there, my partner was already holding our baby in her arms."
Tiny Katie was rushed to Royal Oldham Hospital and placed in an incubator in High Dependency Care before spending six weeks in the neonatal section.
Chris, who now works as a fraud investigator for Salford council, added: "Katie's doing fantastic now. From being a baby I could hold in the palm of my hand, she's into everything and full of energy.
"She loves cycling and being outdoors - she's my Disney princess."
The walk Chris is tackling was devised by Master Fellwalker and author Alfred Wainwright and takes in some of the highest peaks in the Lakes and Dales.
Carl Bibby, 34, of Meadway in Lowton, said: "We call Katie the 'Tasmanian Devil' now because she leaves a trail of destruction in her wake when she comes to the house!"
To sponsor Chris, Carl and Daniel, visit www.justgiving.com/chrisbibby