When Morgan and Jasmin were born 9 weeks early, weighing only 3lbs12oz, my life was turned upside down.  Special care was an alien environment that I can’t describe, but today Bliss thankfully support parents on this distressing journey.  

 

My gorgeous twins brought so much happiness in to my life, so beautiful, tiny and precious. Those first 3 weeks I spent with them both were hard but amazing.  The joy my new arrivals brought, the smiles and hugs I shared are memories very close to my heart.

 

It happened very suddenly days before the twins were due to come home; Jasmin had a funny nose, the odd sneeze. Within hours Morgan was put on to breathing support and then ventilation, and was transferred to intensive care a couple of hours from his sister. The next 3 weeks were the hardest 3 weeks of my life. Watching my babies struggle in different ways with the RSV virus*. Morgan was so strong and brave, but his little lungs just couldn't pull through.

 

Morgan was taken from me so suddenly at just 7 weeks old, his short life has left me with a huge gap, only half a story, but thankfully precious memories I will treasure and share.

 

I have been working to creating awareness of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  I also talked of my experience in a conference ran by Bliss for Health Professionals in working to change outcomes and support for parents with babies in Special Care wherever possible. Bliss are respected as experts in their field and carry out ongoing essential research.

 

I am running 10 miles, in memory of Morgan, and in supporting Bliss for babies born to soon, too small and too sick, because of the excellent work they do in supporting parents, & campaigning to ensure consistent, high quality care for premature and sick babies.  The results they achieve are amazing.

 

Thank you for your kind continued support.  I hope to see you on the day to cheer me on, I will need it :-)

 

Love Emma  xx

 

*Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. Most of us with healthy immune systems will not be harmed, but babies who are born prematurely, or young children who have lung disease, are at high risk of becoming unwell, often seriously, from RSV.

RSV causes inflammation and blockage of the tiniest airways in the lungs (acute bronchiolitis). It is the most common reason for a child to be admitted to hospital with a lung infection in Europe.

It is estimated that of the 20,000 babies admitted to hospital each year with the disease, 30% will still be having wheezing episodes 10 years later.