TinyLife is Northern Ireland's premature and vulnerable baby charity dedicated to reducing premature birth, illness, disability and death in babies. TinyLife provides families with emotional and practical support, funds vital research, provides parent support groups and assists with other resources and information for families. 

I became aware of Tiny Life through my own experiences nearly 6 years ago when my twin sons Baby Joseph & Baby Ivan Lavery were born premature on 24th April.

Despite the very best efforts of the Doctors and Medical staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Baby Joseph passed away shortly after he was born on the 24th of April. Baby Ivan was making great progress after a very traumatic birth but tragically an infection formed and he sadly passed away on the 6th of May. The days in the hospital was without doubt the most traumatic and difficult period of my life. This was made slightly easier with the support of Tiny Life and their team by providing memory boxes, advice and support from their very caring members of staff and volunteers.

To commemorate their brief but incredibly special time with us, I will be trying to provide some much needed funding and promote awareness of the great work that Tiny Life and their partner organisations perform. My family, friends and I are doing a range of sponsored events this year such as the Belfast Marathon Relay, a hike up Slieve Donard and the New York City Marathon in November and London Marathon in April 2025.

Many thanks for your support, Ivan.