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I will be taking part in the Sheffield Half Marathon on the 25^th of April 2010 in order  to raise money for BLISS- the special care baby charity.  The run is 13 miles long beginning at the Sheffield Don Valley Stadium and continuing to Fred Mulley way, Bramall Lane, Cemetary Road, Ecclesall Road, Effingham Street, Brightside Lane and returning to Finish at the Don Valley Stadium.  (see map in pictures)  This is my first charity fund raising marathon and undoubtedly not my last.  

One in every nine babies in the UK is born premature or sick. That’s around 82,000 babies every year.  BLISS was established 30 years ago and is the only national charity dedicated to improving the survival and long-term quality of life for babies born too soon, too small or too sick to cope on their own.  Babies born prematurely or with a low birth weight are faced with difficulties and complications such as:

Breathing complications:

·         ‘Respiratory Distress Syndrome’- harsh irregular breathing due to under development.

·         ‘Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia’-deterioration of the lungs

·         Pneumonia

 

Neurological Problems:

·         Intraventricular Haemmoraging (Bleeding in the Brain)- which can lead to brain damage

Other complications: 

·         Inability to retain body heat and weight

·          Anemia

·         Immature Digestive and Gastrointestinal systems

·          Infection

·          Sepsis

·          Jaundice

And unfortunately so many many more difficulties that there are too many to list in such plain and simple terms, all these difficulties again result in problems later in life such as mental retardation, cerebal palsy, blindness, deafness and sadly again so many many more complications.  Without specialist help and research these babies would unfortunately be unable to make it past the crucial stages of care that they require.

BLISS aim to provide the vital care that premature and sick babies require after birth as this care can have a profound impact on the rest of their lives. BLISS also aim to support families struggling to cope with having a baby in special care and dealing with one of the most emotional and stressful times of their lives.  BLISS is dedicated to raising funds for the vital research needed in order to provide and advance the special care and technology required to help save and improve these babies’ lives.  BLISS is dedicated to campaigning for all special care babies to receive the care they need no matter where or when they are born.

BLISS is my chosen charity as my siblings and I were premature babies.  We all suffered difficulties at birth such as jaundice and had to be incubated.  We were all lucky enough to only experience mild complications and overcome these,although sadly, the same cannot be said for all premature babies.  It is thanks to the research into special baby care that myself and other special care babies are here today and are able to live full and happy lives. 

 

 

 

 

 

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