In September 2019 I was surprised to have been offered a place in the 2020 London Marathon via the ballot, having previously applied for the past five years. Shortly afterwards, Clare and I received some unexpected news at our 20 week baby scan. The sonographer could not identify our baby's heart fully so we were asked to return the next day for a follow up scan with a heart specialist. After a scary 24 hours of second guessing as to what could be wrong, we returned the next day where we were informed that our unborn baby was diagnosed with a heart condition called Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). 

TGA is a condition where the aorta is connected to the right ventricle, where it should be connected to the left ventricle, and the pulmonary artery is connected to the left ventricle when it should be connected to the right ventricle. This upsetting news means our unborn baby is going to need open heart surgery within days of being born. 

The following days and weeks were a bit of a whirlwind of emotions for us and we found comfort with the charity Tiny Tickers. With a vast array of supportive information to prepare us on what lies ahead and countless success stories from other parents who have gone through a similar situation they continue to be a brilliant support for Clare and I. 

As well as support, Tiny Ticker's want to increase early detection rates of cardiac conditions, because spotting a defect early, as has happened in our case, can improve a baby’s chances of survival and long-term quality of life. On average across the UK, only 50% of heart defects are spotted during pregnancy and we feel extremely lucky our baby's condition has been picked up before birth. 

Sadly, heart defects are still one of the biggest killers in babies under 1, being responsible for 1 in 13 infant deaths. Tiny Tickers are determined to improve this statistic. They want every baby to be detected as soon as medically possible. Therefore Tiny Tickers campaign to improve the early detection and care of heart babies by providing specialist training for sonographers at 20 week scans, increasing awareness, supporting families who are affected and providing machines that help detect heart defects in newborns. 

It only seems fitting to run the marathon in April for this amazing charity a month after our little boy is born! All being well, he will be the first to greet me at the finish line with Clare. 

This charity really is close to our hearts, if you are able to donate any amount then it'll be hugely appreciated! After having only ever run 5k it's going to be quite a challenge! 

James xx

P.S if you fancy a run, let me know!