Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. I am fundraising to support Bliss - a charity for premature and sick babies.

What is a premature birth?

Every year, over 90,000 babies are cared for in neonatal units in the UK because they have either been born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), or full term (after 37 weeks) but sick.

A baby who is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy will be called a premature baby.

There are different ways of describing a premature birth.

•Term = A baby that has spent at least 37 weeks inside the womb (gestation)

•Preterm = A baby born before 37 weeks’ gestation

•Moderate to late preterm = A baby born between 32 and 37 weeks’ gestation

•Very preterm = A baby born between 28 and 32 weeks’ gestation

•Extremely preterm = A baby born at or before 28 weeks’ gestation

In 2022, my daughter was born extremely preterm at just 23 weeks and 2 days gestation, weighing only 1 pound and 4 ounces. Generally, babies born before 24 weeks are not considered viable, and my husband and I were quickly informed of the bleak prognosis for her survival. My daughter spent 7 months across two hospitals undergoing lifesaving treatment which included eye surgery, bowel surgery, and oxygen support. Two weeks after her birth, we were told she may not survive the night. I don't have the words to describe how I felt in that moment. Her medical team worked tirelessly to save her life; I am forever grateful for them.

Being in hospital was like being on a rollercoaster. We had good days and bad days and very bad days. We had good hours and bad hours and very bad hours. Things were constantly changing. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

During this time, we encountered many families who, like us, were facing the unimaginable struggle of their little ones fighting for their lives. Sadly, we witnessed the heart-wrenching reality of children who earned their angel wings far too soon. It was heartbreaking.

I am extremely grateful for the unwavering support from medical staff, our families, friends, colleagues, other parents we met and charities during my daughter's time in hospital.

I am excited to share that I am running the 2025 London Marathon to support Bliss - a charity very close to my heart and one whose resources were invaluable to us. Bliss was founded in 1979 by a group of concerned parents who discovered that no hospital had all the equipment nor the trained staff it needed to safely care for premature and sick babies. Determined to do something, these volunteers formed a charity to give vulnerable babies the care they deserve. 40 years later Bliss has grown into the leading UK charity for the 90,000 babies born needing neonatal care every year.

Every donation, no matter the size, would be greatly appreciated. If you're an avid runner, I also welcome any running or marathon tips! Thank you ❤️