Pregnancy isn’t often on my mind. But I’m not immune to the allure of pseudoscientific research that says what mothers should and shouldn’t do in order to ensure their kid is born smart and successful. Listen to Mozart’s symphonies, but not the 40th because everyone knows that one, and you don’t want your child to be predictable. Make sure to tune into the six o’clock news each night so your child pops out with a well formulated opinion on Brexit. 

But these worries are more pleasant than the worry of losing your baby. I was shocked to learn that one in four women lose a baby during pregnancy and birth. My cousin was very sadly part of this statistic. Ever since, in memory of her daughter, she has spearheaded a fundraising campaign for Tommy’s, a charity which funds research into safer pregnancy for babies and mothers. She’s a real inspiration to us all!

Next weekend, I am flying back to the homeland to run in the London Landmarks Half Marathon alongside cousins, aunts, uncles, dads, and sisters. I’m relying heavily on the belief that pain is ‘just a state of mind’ to make up for my relative lack of training… 

Tommy’s is aiming to half the number of deaths during pregnancy and birth by 2030. Any donation towards that goal would be hugely appreciated.