My name is Carrie Loftus and over the last 20 years I have worked for NLaG with the last three being able to have the privilege of being the Antenatal & Newborn Screening Coordinator for the trust. 

For anyone who knows me well, you are aware that I am incredibly passionate about my role and away from work my other passion is running. I have been given the opportunity to combine these two and run the London Marathon 2024 for ARC Antenatal Results & Choices.

I love my job dearly, but there is element to my role which can be incredibly difficult at times and means many families face uncertainty and unexpected news about their baby. I understand I am not necessarily the person they want to meet in their pregnancy pathway but I am fully committed to ensure every family receives the right support and care to help them make incredibly difficult decisions. 

Each year Over 20,000 expectant parents are told that their baby may have a genetic or structural condition. ARC is there to support my role and provide parents with non-directive information and support before, during and after antenatal screening.

I am always amazed by every family I have ever had the pleasure in meeting and in situations of sadness and sorrow I see strength and courage that they probably never knew existed inside of them. 

Running a marathon is mentally challenging and to keep myself focused I promise to dedicate each mile to all those special families I have met along my journey, to all those babies who have overcome the unknown and in loving memory of all those babies we sadly lost along the way. 

I feel it’s going to be the most emotional run I will have ever achieved and I feel uncomfortable asking for donations but if I have ever made any difference to your life or shown you any kindness I would be eternally greatful for your help and support for me to achieve this dream and help all those expectant parents of the future. 

I would like to say a special thank you to the amazing Antenatal & Newborn screening team Hayley, Mollie & Lindsay who are there throughout all the good and sad days and make coming to work an absolute pleasure. Thank you to my screening Queens Nicky & Jane who gave me this opportunity and continually help me raise the profile of Antenatal & Newborn screening. Thank you to Mr Roberts our consultant lead, lovely Jane, our fabulous Uche, Bev, Emma, Alison and the unsung hero’s of the lab Dan, Mick, Nick & Elizabeth who has the most kindest of hearts and feels my patients pain from behind the scenes. Also a special thank you to Anne who made me believe this was the right job for me. Each and everyone one of you are amazing and there are so many more people I could thank but you know who you are. My role has allowed me to meet so many fantastic work colleagues both locally and regionally and I will always be forever greatful of the support you provide to my patients. 

My dear friend Mary has suggested we need to start on my race day nerves from now, thankfully the London Marathon doesn’t allow you sign up on the day like my race buddy Amy normally makes me do with her, which potentially means I will have slightly less pre race stress (Char & Aldo you fall into the organised category like me). I know I will be incredibly nervous but only because it means so much to me and like everything I do I promise to give 100% commitment and dedication. 

Thank you to my little fam Mum, Dad, Emma, Hayley, Rodger, Sylvia, Gracie Boo, Mollie Moo, little Raffy Roo and my number one supporter Joel. 

Joel has already started my training plan and I feel incredibly lucky to have my best friend helping me.