I'm taking on 75 Miles in September for Bliss, the UK's leading charity helping babies born premature or full-term, but sick. 1 in every 7 babies born in the UK will need specialist neonatal care, which means thousands of babies and their families seek information and support from Bliss every year.

As most of you know, our son Bodie was born on the 23rd February at 27 weeks gestation. He spent a total of 88 days at Princess Anne neonatal unit, finally coming home on his due date. We knew from day one, ours would be a long journey in neonatal and knew Bodie had a lot of fighting to do to eventually come home. And fight he did. He spent 9 out of his 12 weeks on oxygen, being ventilated twice and working his way through most of the oxygen supports. Our little fighter persevered and we got to bring him home without oxygen, something ourselves and the consultants thought many times may not be possible. During his 3 months stay, along with oxygen support, Bodie had a total of 5 blood transfusions, a PDA, chronic lung disease due to being on oxygen for so long, suspected sepsis, reflux, stage 2 ROP, 2 brain bleeds at birth and multiple Hemangiomas (over 60)! It was a long road, one that many times felt never ending. This journey is never something parents want or plan for, but charities such as Bliss do so much to support parents like us who spend time in neonatal care.

Bliss also give so much support for neonatal units across the UK, including Princess Anne. Without the consultants, doctors and nurses (who were always the most wonderful support and who truly became friends), our Bodie wouldn’t be with us now and words could not explain how thankful we are to each and every one of them.

By sponsoring me, your donation will help Bliss continue their work to ensure that every baby born premature or full-term who needs neonatal care will have the best chance of survival and quality of life. You will help Bliss support neonatal units like Princess Anne and help save the lives of babies such as our Bodie.