As with any other friend awaiting the impending birth of a child I kept one eye on Kate’s facebook page and hit ‘Like’ as soon as I saw the birth announcement welcoming Tilly into the world. The posts that followehhd a couple of weeks later were worrying but it wasn’t until I received an email from a friend that it became clear how terrible the situation really was.

Kate was my neighbour in Aberystwyth’s grotty sea-front halls. She was one of those girls you’d love to hate (blond with big boobs!) but just couldn’t because she was sincere and genuine. She was also great fun particularly after a couple of Death Stars at the Cambrian. As with many uni friends the advent of Facebook allowed me to re-connect with lost friends. It was good to see what they’d become and share their life changes events, even if it was at arms-length.

I’d never realised that being a mum meant so much worry. Almost from conception the fear creeps in: Am I eating right? Am I gaining too much weight (okay I didn’t worry too much about this one)? Is the baby developing right? How am I going to get THAT out of THERE?! Then once they’re here every cough, cry or poo is analysed in minute detail. Yep, I promise you, it is. In retrospect these are piffling concerns because in the back of every parents’ mind is the fear that something really bad is going to happen. I think that’s why Tilly’s passing affected me so strongly. I knew that Kate and Russ probably had the same worries as Rich and myself but for them the nightmare came true.

So, here’s the deal guys…

… I complete a triathlon and a half marathon and you donate some dosh to the fantastic hospital that cared for Tilly and her special family.