If you're reading this, firstly can I say thank you for even getting this far. 

I'm running the London Marathon 2023 for the Miscarriage Association. Running doesn't come naturally to this 49 year old and frankly running 26.2 miles terrifies me but I am determined to run one marathon in this lifetime and so London 2023 here I come! Being able to run it for a Charity that is as personally important to me as this one, is a genuine privilege and I’m really proud to be doing this for them! 

Those who know me well will know I am a super proud step mum to an amazing 25 year old young man who I'm lucky enough to have had in my life for many years now. You'll also know though that not being able to have my own children has been devastating for me and something I will always struggle with. 

Getting pregnant wasn't where I had trouble, it was staying pregnant that was difficult and every time my pregnancies ended in miscarriage. Sadly a total of 4 times for me. 

In 2014 following another miscarriage, I was struggling to heal both physically and emotionally. I didn't know what to do, what to think and talking about miscarriage still isn't widely done and so I also felt really isolated and alone. It's then that I found the Miscarriage Association and their support really helped me to come to terms with what was happening and crucially to help me feel less alone. 

Getting to know them, and the resources they have, including the helpline and the forum all helped me to heal. Having this support is crucial, miscarriage is so much more common than you might realise (1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage) but typically we don't talk about it, so having somewhere welcoming to turn can be life changing, or even life saving. Of course, providing this help comes at a cost. As a Charity, the Miscarriage Association rely on donations to be able to continue to do the critical work that they do. 

This includes crucial research into both the prevention of and treatment for miscarriages. Not knowing why they happened or if I could have done anything to have prevented so many miscarriages, will haunt me forever. 

It's a tough time out there for everyone financially so I don't ask for your support lightly, but any donation made, no matter the amount, will help families out there who are struggling with miscarriage. Time has run out for me to have my own family but it hasn't for millions of others and it's those families that this is really for. For everyone who miscarriage has, or could affect, these donations are for you. 

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your support, I don't have the words to tell you how much it means to me. 

Gill xx