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.

The first event we will be participating in is the Belfast City Marathon relay. The relay will take place on Sunday 5th of May. If you would like to participate on the day and help us raise some money we would be delighted to welcome you for what we hope will be an enjoyable day out. If you cannot join on the day but would like to make an online donation please do so using this site. 

PS - For those who can join us on the day, can you please respond to let us know - there are a few logistical issues we need to take care of in advance. 

Many thanks for your support, Ivan.