Maxine’s story -

Our beautiful daughter Belle was delivered via emergency C-Section at 29+1 weeks back in May 2020. I had developed severe Pre-Eclampsia and became unwell quite quickly.
Luckily, other than being a tiny 2lbs 11.5oz, Belle was doing incredibly well under the care of the Neonatal Unit at the Ayrshire Maternity Unit.

At the time of Belles birth, we were right in the height of the Coronavirus Pandemic, and only one parent was permitted to visit their baby at a time in the Neonatal unit. I found this incredibly difficult, having to register what had just happened and not being able to see my husband for the 9 days I was an inpatient.
I cannot express the gratitude I have for the wonderful nurses and midwifes in Neonatal who were there for me and my husband when we couldnt be there for each other. They were there for our "Firsts", first cuddle, bath, nappy change, transfer to open cot, and they made it a special moment for us, although we couldn't do them together.

Anyone who has had experience of a child in the NICU will tell you it is the most terrifying and traumatic thing they have ever endured, however the Unit is run by absolute angels and I will forever be in debt to them for saving our daughters life, and making her the strong and sassy girl she is today.

I hope by running this half marathon and really pushing myself I can show how forever grateful I am to them, and also to my daughter who fought so hard during her time there.

Kelly’s story - 

I’ve told Max’s story many times now and have had a few fundraising ventures - needless to say this one is the biggest challenge yet!

As most of you know, our wonderful son Max was born 14 weeks prematurely, and spent the first 3 months of his life in the neonatal unit of Crosshouse Hospital. The care & treatment Max received during his stay was fantastic and we are forever grateful for the fact that they saved our boys life. The staff in the unit from the medics to the nurses are all amazing and truly supported us as a family to get through a very difficult time in our lives. 

Any money donated will go towards caring for these very unwell little babies, and providing much needed support to parents. The last round of fundraising we done went towards the unit sourcing iPads to allow parents to see videos and clips of their babies when they couldn’t be there in person - how amazing! 

Thanks in advance everyone - Maxine & Kelly x