On the 15th of January 2025, mine and my partners lives changed forever.

I went into premature labor at just 23 weeks & 5 days, I will never forget the fear that rushed through me when my waters broke in the early hours of that morning, I wasn’t ready, they weren’t ready, which ultimately led to my two beautiful babies passing away after just 7 and 8 days of their short lives in the NICU in the National Maternity Hospital.

Following the devastating heartbreak I’ve experienced and continue to experience every day, I have decided to take part in this challenge by walking/ running 100km during the month of March in aid of the National Maternity Hospital Foundation in memory of my two baby girls, Cédhla and Croía, who were born and cared for in Holles St.

I never thought I’d be a parent of a baby/babies receiving care in a NICU, and so my eyes were widely opened when I witnessed the care and compassion that the staff provide in such places. You just never know when you or someone you love will be the loved ones of a baby in need of this care.

The care and compassion we received during such a heartbreaking time meant everything, and I want to help other families facing similar challenges, and most importantly I want to honor my baby girls, as it’s the only thing that will keep me going, to make my girls proud.

🎀 Cédhla O’Toole 15/01/25 - 22/01/25

🎀 Croía O’Toole 15/01/25 - 23/01/25