Back in 2007 when I set out to be a midwife I knew that, as a single mum, the journey was going to be tough, not only emotionally but also logistically and financially too. However, I never wanted money to be the thing that made me give up, so I reached out to the Iolanthe trust for support, and was incredibly fortunate to receive a bursary that supported me through my 3 years of study.

I know that without the generosity afforded to me at that time, I would have found it so much harder to graduate and qualify to be a midwife. So now, here I am, nearly 15 years later having had a really interesting and varied career, wanting to do something to payback and say thank you to the charity for supporting me.

So it’s time to put the running shoes back on, and run a bloody marathon! Your kind and generous donation will in turn support the work of the trust. Every woman needs a midwife when giving birth and the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust wants midwives to provide the best care they can. Through giving out financial awards, midwives and students can get funding for extra training or to create projects or carry out research to improve maternity care, develop their practice or improve services and support for the UK's birthing families.

Thank you so much for your support, encouraging words and all the positive vibes you’re sending my way, even though you all know this is another stupid idea that shouldn’t be encouraged!

Jo

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