Thank you for visiting my just giving pages for the Great north run. I’m raising money for two charities which have directly helped me and my family over the last year.
Many of you will know that my twin nephews Matthew and Oliver sadly died last October, 6 days after being born prematurely despite the best efforts of the medical staff at James Cook and RVI hospitals. In their memory I am raising money for Tiny Lives, a Newcastle based charity which raises money for the care of premature babies and bereavement support for the families of babies who have died.
Fewer of you will know that shortly following Aidan’s birth my wife Cat was diagnosed with severe postnatal depression. Cat’s mood further deteriorated and she was admitted as an in-patient to the Leeds Mother and Baby Unit in November. Cat and Aidan were cared for at the Mother and baby unit until February. These few months were incredibly difficult for us as a family, fortunately the Mother and Baby Unit provided us with the fantastic support that we needed. We were also fortunate that we were able to use the mother and baby unit in Leeds. The Leeds unit has 5 beds and covers all of Yorkshire with patients from Yorkshire area routinely admitted to similar wards in Northumberland and Manchester when the Leeds ward is full. Being able to use the unit in Leeds allowed me to spend most evenings my young family. In gratitude to their help and support I am raising funds for the mother and baby unit through the Leeds partnerships foundation trust. By raising this issue we would also like to encourage a more open discussion about mental health.
In the UK 2,000 babies die during the perinatal period every year with a further 4,000 being still born. 15% of new mothers are diagnosed with postnatal depression with suicide being a leading cause of maternal death. The birth of a baby is often a joyful occasion but for those who lose their baby or who suffer mental illness this can be a very trying period. Please give generously to both of these charities.
Thanks
James.
