I first became aware of Bliss five and a half years ago when my son was born eleven and a half weeks early weighing only 2lb 9oz. He spent four weeks in neonatal intensive care at Norwich Hospital, some 65 miles away from where we live as he was too tiny for our local hospital to treat him. Following his time in the neonatal intensive care unit he was then transferred by high speed ambulance to our local hospital where he then spent a further seven weeks in the special care baby unit.

Before he came along I had never really thought about or considered the impact of a premature baby. I had certainly never heard of Bliss. It was the hospital that gave us some information about Bliss and an insight into the wonderful work they do to help premature babies.

When my son finally came home I said I would like to do something in return to help Bliss, so as a family we do what we can when we can to raise a little money to help them. Having recently taken up cycling, I have set myself the challenge of this 60 mile ride and I would really welcome your support for this very worthy cause.

Five and a half years on from our sons early arrival and we are almost discharged from all the various consultants that he has been under since birth. He is now a healthy, happy and energetic boy that likes to keep mummy and daddy on their toes! But we don’t mind at all as he is so special to us because of the very difficult start in life, we so happy he was such a strong fighter and made it through his fight for life.

Our son was one of the lucky babies that survived the fight for life but there are babies many that don’t survive!

Bliss do some amazing work for premature babies which includes the following

Bliss supports parents and families emotionally and practically through what can be a very traumatic time in their lives. Their free phone helpline, website, online parent message board and range of information leaflets help tens of thousands of families every year and they also run specialist training for counsellors across the UK, so that they can refer parents in the most dire need for this service.

Research innovative techniques and treatments that have the potential to save and improve the quality of life for babies born premature or sick. Bliss funds and promotes new developments and innovations in care, supporting major clinical research projects and training for health care professionals.

Campaigning for the changes needed to ensure doctors and nurses have the best resources available to care for babies, regardless of where and when they are born. Bliss campaigns within the government, parliament and the NHS for essential change and investment in health services and raises awareness of the issues affecting premature and sick babies.

They help to improve the care of the whole family, helping to build confidence in their ability to care for their baby. Bliss nurses work directly with families in neonatal units throughout the UK - helping them to cope with the practical and emotional challenges of having a baby admitted into neonatal care.