PLEASE READ MY SON'S STORY, I hope it inspires you to always live life with hope and determination!

In May 2002 I started to miscarry my baby, I was rushed to hospital and admitted to the delivery suite. I was 20 weeks pregnant. Up until then I was having a fabulous pregnancy. I refused to let go of my baby because just a few days before I had a scan and all was well. I knew that it was my body failing me (not any real problem with the baby). I used the power of my mind and my training in self hypnosis to reverse my labour. I focused so hard throughout the night, the consultant did not believe that I was still hanging onto my pregnancy in the morning.

It was at that point they decided to help me as they new I was so determined. They inserted a stitch into my cervix and there I lay for weeks, knowing that with each day the chances of survival grew stronger and stronger. The team at Cheltenham General Hospital were amazing and very supportive. I just had to get to 27 weeks into the pregnancy to give Max the best chance and I did it with their help.

Max was born on June 25th 2002 weighing just 1lb 10oz's and was born flat (no responses). Miraculously and due to the dedication of the neo-natal team they managed to revive him. Max stayed in hospital (critical) for 5 months before eventually coming home to me and his big sis Jess. He had brain bleeds and lots of blood transfusions, his lungs were chronically diseased, but against all the odds he survived and is a loving, fit and healthy 10 year old boy today, with such a genuinely caring attitude and a sunny disposition.

I have always wanted to repay the kindness and support shown to me and now I am going to, even it it kills my knees! I have been inspired to do this by my dear friend Franeen (who is also doing the walk for children with cancer) and determined as I was in 2002 to see this through. I heard that it costs around £5,000 per day to keep special babies alive, and I am sure that Max will become a Doctor or Nurse one day and in turn repay in his own way too! But for me, this is money well worth spending within the NHS, and it is so undervalued and financially badly supported, so PLEASE anything you can spare all adds up.

I would love to think I could raise £1,000 so if you feel my story is worth £10-£20 I would be forever grateful and you could save other babies just like Max.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, wish me luck!