I will be running the Cardiff Half Marathon this year in memory of a very special baby girl. Eliza Bronwen Bartley was born earlier this year at just 29 weeks to my beautiful sister Sarah-Jayne and brother-in-law Stuart Bartley.

Eliza came early into this world as a result of a condition known as PPROM, which affects 1 – 4 % of all pregnancies. It causes waters to break and results in very little or no fluid around the baby to support growth and development, especially the lungs. When PPROM happens there is a 90% chance of the mother going into labour within the first 96 hours. In the case of my sister-in-law her waters broke at just 18 weeks. However, Eliza defied the odds and fought to stay inside her Mummy’s tummy for another 11 weeks, until her arrival.

Eliza was a very brave little girl, a fighter and a shining star, but due to the effects of PPROM she lost her fight at just 2 days old.

The loss of Eliza has been utterly devastating for her parents and left a massive hole in my family’s hearts for ever.

I’m raising awareness for Little Heartbeats, who provide support to PPROM families, and money for UCLH's heal membranes project, which is conducting research into PPROM. 

Help us support the amazing work of UCLH NHS Trust and the efforts they are putting into PPROM research.