On Saturday 20th April 2024 I am taking part in the SheUltra marathon to raise money for the Neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The SheUltra is a 50km(31m) race across the Llŷn Peninsula starting in Pwllheli and finishing in Abersoch. Running is a huge part of my life and has helped me so much mentally over the years, especially postnatal. This is my first ultra marathon and I am so excited for the challenge for such a worthy cause. We have 3 beautiful Daughters who have all spent some time on the Neonatal unit at the COCH. Elsie 5 days in 2016, Polly 3 days in 2018 and Nancy 28 days in 2022.

Nancy was born on Christmas Day 2022 8 weeks early at 3lb 11.5oz. Nancy was not breathing when she was born so she needed emergency medical care followed by a 28 day stay on the Neonatal unit until she was well and strong enough to come home. The shock and worry of having a premature baby, along with it being Christmas time with two older children was extremely difficult and overwhelming.

When we first got to hold Nancy she was 4 hours old, the staff were so warm and welcoming and ensured that we had everything we needed to be comfortable and explained everything to us about Nancy’s situation. There were also Christmas gifts/keepsakes from the unit to us and to Nancy’s siblings which was such a lovely touch.

After three nights I was discharged from the hospital, and the thought of having to go home and leave my newborn baby was just heartbreaking, but also I needed to be with my other children. I would get regular updates and pictures throughout the night of Nancy and I was able to ring at any time to check her progress.

Elsie and Polly were able to meet Nancy on day 4, we were very anxious with Nancy being in an incubator but the nurses were amazing with them. They explained what the wires and machines were for, they were encouraged to decorate the whiteboard next to her cot with pictures and cards they had made for her. There is also a family room, playroom and food on the unit which took the pressure off and enabled us to get time away when it was needed. The girls loved coming to visit!

I knew I wanted to breastfeed Nancy, the unit gave me a pump for home and I expressed religiously every 3 hours to ensure I had a good supply for when she was ready. I was able to donate most of my milk to The Milk Bank at Chester, they do such an incredible job! As the days passed I tried to be there for as many feeds as possible to establish feeding and I stayed over cotside 2/3 times a week to give us the best chance. After 3 weeks, Nancy’s tube was removed and she took to it amazingly. I will be forever grateful to the team, especially Amy, for the unwavering support and encouragement through some really difficult days.

Nancy was discharged on January 20th 2023 weighing 4lb 2oz. I will be forever grateful for the outstanding support and care we have received from the unit over the years. Any donations will be hugely appreciated for the unit as they continue to support families and babies in need. Thank you so much, Lindsey xx