On 20/01/2023 my daughter was born 5 weeks premature, via EMCS under General Anesthetic at Princess Anne Hospital, weighing a tiny 4lbs 6oz. 
She came out fighting, but did have a few breathing issues due to the anesthesia, and had picked up an infection as a result of my waters breaking two days earlier; impacting her protection from the outside world. 
However, under the incredible care of the inspiring Doctors and Nurses, Evelyn spent less than 48 hours away from me in Special Care, and soon joined me on the ward with just one monitor and a little heat mat to keep her tiny body toasty. 
We spent a further week on the ward as my little fighter battled her infection with the help of IV antibiotics, a difficult time hugely bettered by the outstanding manner and care of the individuals working to support new mothers on the transtional ward. 

We made it home, under the care of the impressive neonatal team and were thankfully swiftly told our tiny girl was a strong one and we could be discharged. 

Sadly, shortly after this Evelyn contracted COVID which resulted in a few apneic episodes and saw her on breathing support in the Peadiatric ward for a week. 
Once again, we experienced that incredible care and support of the staff at Southampton Hospitals, despite us all being COVID positive!

We were finally safely discharged on Mother's Day, and returned home with anxious minds, but full hearts.
Since this point, I have felt moved to support the efforts of Southampton Hospitals in reflection of the way they supported my family through the bumpiest start we could have imagined.

Choosing an ultra challenge to do so felt apt given the lengthy and incredibly challenging journey the hospital has supported us through and, whilst a little fundraising on my part will only go so far, I hope that I am able to contribute in some small way to the continuation of that support and care for families who find themselves in unthinkable situations. 

I'd be immensely grateful if you could help me to make that contribution by means of a little sponsorship on this page!