Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS) raise funds to give sick and premature newborns at the RBH the best possible start in life. The charity is run by parents that have had a baby spend time on Buscot Ward. 

During our training this year we've again shared so many stories and tears.  We've had two little cuties occupying a lot of our thoughts as we've run this year, who crazily were on Buscot at the same time, Oscar and Jacob.  

Oscar is Lauras nephew.  This little superstar was born at 30 weeks, weighing 1.245kg, just like a bag of sugar!  He spent 36 days in Buscot, receiving phenomenal care.  On day three he was rushed to Oxford and had to be taken in a special ambulance, holding a special incubator named "The Spaceship".  After receiving outstanding care at both Oxford and Reading, Oscar thriving, he is now six months old and weighs a healthy 5.5kg.

Jacob was born to a family friend of Kerry and Ben's.  Our other little superstar was born at 32 weeks, weighing 1.56kg, spending 38 days at Buscot next to Oscar!  This little cutie was intubated at birth and spent most of his time in an incubator due to complications with his breathing and eating due to developing GERD (severe gastroesophageal reflux).  Jacob too is doing great, this smiley baby is also 6 months old who still cannot part with his 0-3 months clothes.

We all know these special wards are in our local hospitals but it really brings it home the complexities and the situations our fantastic hospitals and nurses face when it is one of our loved ones there. 

Without the efforts of BIBS, the duration of their time on the ward would've been so much harder for their families.  BIBS work focuses in four main areas of activity, that they call keeping Buscot families "SAFE" (Support, Awareness, Facilities, Equipment) They do so in the following ways: 

Support - providing families with independent emotional support while their baby is on Buscot, and beyond.

Awareness - help inform parents about what to expect from a stay on Buscot by providing written information, raising awareness of issues related to prematurity or sickness at birth.

Facilities - refurbishing facilities and accommodation on the ward to provide a more homely environment.

Equipment - Funding life saving equipment for the ward for example incubators, cardiac monitors, ventilators.

Any donations to help this fantastic cause would be very much appreciated by the three of us and keeps us moving on our long runs.

Love you all

Kerry, Kerry, Laura & Ben xxxx