<p>I have always wanted to run in the London marathon, having been fortunate enough to run in both the New York and Paris marathons previously. &nbsp;This time, I have decided to run for Action on Pre-Eclampsia (<strong><em>APEC</em></strong>).<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</span></p> <p>In January 2005 my sister lost her first baby due to pre-eclampsia.&nbsp; In November the same year, despite severe early onset pre-eclampsia and an extreme (14 week) premature birth, my niece Jorja was born.&nbsp; She spent the first 6 months of her life in the neonatal unit, facing significant medical hurdles.&nbsp; She is now almost 6 years old, going from strength to strength and living her life just like any other kid her age, albeit with a few additional challenges.&nbsp;</p> <p>For those of you that don&rsquo;t know, pre-eclampsia is the most common of the serious complications of pregnancy.<span>&nbsp; </span>In its broadest form, pre-eclampsia affects as many as one in 10 of all pregnancies. It is caused by a defect in the placenta, which joins the mother and baby and supplies the baby with nutrients and oxygen from the mother's blood.</p> <p>It is through organisations such as APEC that people like my sister are given the information and support they need to deal with pre-eclampsia and minimise the risks for their baby.</p> <p>It is a great cause, so please give generously.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>