Most of you know what we have been through as a family this past year. But as we come out the other side and look back, I felt it was important to give back to those that helped us on our journey so that they can continue to help other families and teeny tiny babies in their start in life. So I will be hoping to raise money for Croydon Health Charity with funds going to the neonatal unit and First Touch at St George’s.

On the 29th September 2024 I will be running the Berlin marathon. This will be my third marathon but this time I am 10 years older, had 3 children and am majorly sleep deprived! Along with this, September is going to be a busy month in our house; I’ll be running The Big Half (half marathon) on the 1st September and then completing my London Classics with a 2 mile swim in The Serpentine on the 14th September.

The marathon date and event feels super poignant as on the 29th September 2023 we were told to prepare for the worst and that we may never have/meet our two babies. This day was the start of a long journey of “getting the babies to viability”. Little did I know what this actually meant in reality. There are far too many people to thank and mention that has been part of this journey, as each person made an impact but I hope they know how grateful and thankful we are.

Max and Maude were born at 25 weeks and 2 days at Croydon hospital after a rapid labour. (These babies weren’t hanging around!). What followed will forever be ingrained in my memory. From going into Croydon NICU and meeting the incredible ladies that on our return to Croydon became our second family, the NTS team who transferred both babies to St George’s and the incredible NICU team at George’s who were our babies family and support system for the first 9 weeks of this journey. We will never be able to describe what it’s like to leave your babies every day in other people’s care but these teams made it easier. They didn’t just look after Max and Maude, they looked after us as a family.

Max spent 134 days in hospital and is now home and doing so well. He will soon be running after his brother and causing double the trouble. Our little Maude unfortunately became super sick super quickly and after 31 days she passed away on 11.12.23 with Andrew and I at her side. A day we will never forget. She fought to the end and we will always love and think of her. We will ensure the boys know about her and that she is their brightest star in the sky and will always look after them.

It is estimated that it costs £2000 a day to care for a baby in the neonatal unit (ickle picke charity). First Touch list the cost of some of the items needed to support a premature baby. Here are a few examples an incubator is between £28-30,000, CPAP £7000, ventilators £30,000, neo puffs £2000, transport incubator £60,000, the list goes on.

As you can see it’s an expensive journey so I’d love to raise some money to help both George’s and Croydon to continue to provide the care to these babies. Both charities also provide support to families too, aiming to make life easier and less stressful. They provide, breast pumps for mothers, snacks and drinks for families and expressing mothers, books to read to the babies, the Christmas party and Father Christmas visit (which Leo loved).

Please help where and if you can. Ideally the money raised will be split evenly between both charities.

It will always go without saying that we can never thank our families and friends for all their love and support along the way and that they continue to give. There will never be enough words.

With all our love and thanks

Amy, Andrew, Leo, max and Maude.