Here is why the EPT means so much to me:

My first pregnancy was a 1 in 80 that is ectopic. I went from dreamily wandering around Mothercare with my husband, to sudenly feeling very poorly when I was nearly 10 weeks pregnant. Instinct told me that something was seriously wrong and I presented at A&E. Once I was finally admitted, a scan told me the crushing news that there was no pregnancy in my womb and they had to look 'somewhere else'. 

I had surgery to remove my left fallopian tube and experienced great care and compassion from nurses and other patients at Northampton District hospital. I was told that statistically I had a 10% chance of my next pregnancy following the same path. And then I was discharged with nothing more than a 2 week Doctor's note. To say I was devastated at losing this much wanted pregnancy, and learning that this may happen again, was an understatement, and only my husband saw the full extent of my grief.

Physically I recovered quickly, returning to work before 2 weeks, but I mistook my physical recovery for being on the mend.

During those early days, I came across the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust online support forums. I tentatively shared my story late at night, and received an amazing reply from one of the hosts. She helped me understand why I was struggling with my anxious thoughts and deep emotions, and having that understanding made a huge difference.

I also found it healing to share my fears with other women on the EPT site. One of them became a close confidant and unbelievably we went on to have our first children within a day of each other.

I genuinely believe that without the EPT I would not have the family I have today. Ultimately EPT support gave me the courage to try again and I was incredibly lucky that that resulted in Anna, Natalia and then Santi. But they also offer invaluable support to women who have multiple losses and to those who move on with their lives without having children.

It has long been my ambition to say 'thank you' by taking on this challenge. Now is the time.

Aftercare has improved immensely in the 14 years since I experienced an ectopic pregnancy. Thanks to campaigning, education and patient information leaflets from the EPT, women who experience this now receive better aftercare and understanding. Please help them reach the women in your life.

Thank you

Alison x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust strives to provide information, education and support to those affected by early pregnancy complications and to the health professionals who care for them. Ectopic pregnancy is a common, life-threatening condition that is the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester of early pregnancy. The condition affects around 1 in 80 pregnancies in the UK and occurs when an embryo grows outside of the womb. The EPT believes that the deaths and trauma associated with ectopic pregnancy should be prevented. We seek to relieve the distress associated with the experience and provide ongoing support through their treatment and beyond.Please support our passionate runners who will be training hard to pound the streets of London raising crucial funds and awareness for ectopic pregnancies.