On the 16th of July 2020 we welcomed our darling daughter Margot Vera-Jean Worsfold into the world and I became the proud Daddy I always hoped to be.

Margot's first few weeks whilst filled with love, were a whirlwind of highs and lows. Born prematurely and diagnosed shortly after her birth with Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome), we were given the devastating prognosis that she would unlikely see her first birthday. 

After four weeks on the hospital NICU, my wife Jodie and I were finally able to bring our beautiful daughter home. We spent three incredibly special weeks together, making memories that we will treasure for a lifetime.

Heartbreakingly, Margot didn't make it beyond 50 days but she died peacefully and in our arms at home.

Throughout this entire experience Shooting Star Children's Hospices have been an incredible support. From easing Margot's transition home from the hospital, acting as our voice and spokesperson, organising every possible detail and eventuality of her care and all done with such kindness and compassion. Not to mention, absolutely all for free.

They not only supported us in all the medial aspects of Margot's care but also in making some treasured keepsakes, like casts and prints of Margot's perfect tiny hands and feet. The nurses from Shooting Star were there with us when Margot took her last breaths and they supported us through this incredibly difficult time. They provided a cold cot so Margot could spend the night with us and we were able to take Margot to stay in their home-from-home Willow Suite until her funeral.

The Shooting Star team take absolutely everything they do in their stride and words don't really do justice to what incredible care and support they gave to our family and still continue to provide to Jodie and I.

I am so unbelievably honoured to be able to run the 2021 London Marathon. Not only to raise some much needed and deserved funds for Shooting Star Children's Hospices but also to run in memory of my beautiful daughter.

This marathon is for you Margot. Every step I take I know you will be with me. We love you so much.

Thank you to everyone that has chosen to support me in my Marathon for Margot. I am so incredibly grateful.

Cheers,

Jamie...Margot's Daddy xxx

Shooting Star Children's Hospices supports babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families across London and Surrey. Whether lives are measured in days, weeks, months or years, we are here to make every moment count. We support families from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.