My Story 💕

If you’ve found your way to this ‘just giving’ page, I hope you will have time to let me explain, briefly, why I have signed up to run the Manchester Marathon on 3rd April 2022! This marathon should actually have taken place April 5th 2020, However I was due to complete Manchester marathon, Covid stoped that…..I was due to run in October 2021 and covid stopped that too! After 4 tireless training efforts, 2 marathons missed, 2 postponed races and one virtual attempt from the Ethiad in Manchester to congleton (26.2 miles exactly) the day is finally here! 🤍

Yayyyyyy!! 

Since our son Henry was born, 8 years ago, I have wanted to do something to help the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and Maternity ward at Macclesfield Hospital, in order to acknowledge our enormous appreciation for all they did for us at such a traumatic time.

Nearing my last few weeks of my first pregnancy, I developed a condition called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP).   It is a liver disorder, unique to pregnancy, and sometimes referred to as Obstetric Cholestasis (OC).    

It is a complex condition which can be caused by genetics, hormones or environment, and my main symptom was severe itching, mostly on hands, feet and legs.  After blood tests to analyse liver function and bile acids, it was hospitalisation, medication and early births for both of our babies, as it can be life threatening to the baby and mother if this condition is left untreated. 🏥 

Our beautiful Henry George was welcomed into the world on 20th January 2012  👶🏼 after being induced and a very very quick labour a very poorly little Henry was swiftly whisked away to the Special Care Baby Unit where he remained for 7 days, waiting to see if he would make it through the night was by far the scariest time of my life.......he was cared for day and night by the incredible Doctors, Nurses and Staff.  All the staff were wonderfully supportive and couldn’t do enough for us. 🙏🏼 

Eventually, Henry was discharged, and although he did have a slight lung condition (bronchiolitis) and childhood Asthma we now have great delight watching him participate enthusiastically, and successfully, in many sporting activities, football being his main passion 💙 

Those who know me, therefore, will realise that my motivation for running the Manchester Marathon for the Special Care Baby Unit is simply……beyond words.   I just want to put a little something back to the unit which gave us so much to be thankful for. 

So, if you are willing, and able, would you consider sponsoring me to run the 26.2 miles (don’t forget the 2!!) on Sunday 3rd April 2022

It’s apparently one of the flattest and friendliest Marathons in the country, with great entertainment and a festive atmosphere along the entire length of the route.  My personal endurance and determination will take me on an exciting journey through the south of the City, and finishing at the iconic Old Trafford Cricket Ground.   Why not come along and wave a flag and give a cheer! If you see me out an about on my training runs.......a little beep goes a long way to keep me pushing on 🥰

Thank you. 😘