I'm taking on 75 Miles in September for Bliss, the UK's leading charity helping babies born premature or full-term, but sick.

With Alina finally out of the longest newborn phase, hitting 12 weeks adjusted at the start of September, I’m hoping I can get enough pram naps in to make up the mileage in steps, and maybe even build in some time for the odd run - I would love to show her how strongly women can build back after traumatic births, mentally and physically, and for me, exercise and running has always helped me do just that.

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. Bliss provided a great deal of information and validation during a time we didn’t have much brain capacity, but had to learn a whole new world in caring for our premature daughter. Navigating the NICU world, whilst recovering from the shock and pain of a sudden, emergency delivery, was incredibly tough and something nobody should do alone or without guidance of organisations such as this one. I was and am so grateful for an immediate go to resource as we continue our journey with her, and whilst I hope none of my network have to experience a NICU stay, it would be of some comfort to know that if they did, I’d helped raise awareness of their work and other things about NICU life that I’ll aim to share during this period which might ease their journey by a tiny smidgen.

I am also honoured to say this was the chosen charity of my Great Aunt, and namesake, Litan, and I hope she’d be proud to know we’ve carried on her generosity and efforts in raising money for the cause.

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, and that parents can be involved and empowered in their care.

Thank you,

Imogen (and Alina) 💕