Sami and Melissa both know what it’s like to experience the rollercoaster of having a baby in the NICU.

We work together at MECS and we’ve bonded over our shared experiences as NICU parents. Melissa's daughter, Phoenix, was born at just 24 weeks, and Sami’s twin, Andreas, spent 12 days in the NICU after being born prematurely at 35 weeks. Both of us owe so much to Bliss, the charity that helps families like ours navigate those difficult early days.

When Sami and Sophie’s twins, Andreas and Luca, arrived earlier than expected on 5th October, 2021, it was a moment of pure joy mixed with worry. While Luca was healthy and ready to go home quickly, little Andreas needed extra care and spent 12 days in the NICU. Those days were a whirlwind of emotions for Sami and Sophie—balancing the demands of two newborns with the worry for Andreas and caring for their eldest son, Alexander, at home.

Thanks to the exceptional care Andrea received in the NICU—and the work Bliss makes possible—Andreas is now thriving alongside Luca and their big brother Alexander. You’d never guess the rocky start Andreas had by looking at the lively, happy boy he is today.

Melissa knows just how vital Bliss’s work is.

Her daughter, Phoenix, was born at just 24 weeks and 4 days in January 2019—so early she wasn’t due until May! The incredible NICU doctors and nurses, saved her life. They supported her through the scariest time of her life, and those nurses became like family. Six years later, she is still in touch with them.

Bliss doesn’t just help babies; they help parents find strength and hope when they need it most. They make sure every baby has the best possible start in life, no matter how early or fragile that start might be.

How You Can Help

Our team name for The Wolf Run is "No Chain, No Pain!" (Remember, we are Estate Agents!). This January, as we celebrate Phoenix turning six and reflect on Andrea’s journey, we're raising money for Bliss. Your donation can make a real difference. It helps provide life-saving support for babies like Andreas and Phoenix. It ensures that parents, in the hardest moments of their lives, have someone to turn to.

Please consider donating. Together, we can help Bliss continue their incredible work and make sure no family has to face this journey alone. No one expects to end up in NICU! 1 in every 7 babies born in the UK will need specialist care.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness and generosity.

A little bit about our chosen Charity: Bliss is the leading UK charity for babies born premature or sick. They rely on donations to fund their work, and without our help they won't be able to reach the 90,000 babies needing neonatal care each year.

Your donation to my page will help Bliss to drive improvements in neonatal care, to ensure that the needs of babies are at the heart of policy and planning for the future, and to provide information and support to all families with a baby born premature or sick.