On 30 December 2012 my daughter, Elouise-Mae Bisping, was born prematurely by an emergency caesarean due to Pre-Eclampsia. She weighed just 4lbs 3oz.

In a critical condition, Elouise spent a number of weeks in the expert care of staff at Southampton’s Princess Anne Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). During this time, and subsequently after discharge, she battled bravely through a plethora of health problems.

Over the last 6 years she has thrived and developed into a clever, intelligent, well-mannered, caring little girl. Throughout the years we could never forget that the NICU has given both Elouise and us her family, the opportunity to make memories together, and hope that every premature baby has the same level of care as my little girl did.

The NICU combines advanced technology and trained health care professionals, to provide specialised care new-born babies who need intensive medical attention. The NICU can also be quite daunting and traumatic for the parents – there are many unfamiliar sights, sounds, and items of equipment that can be overwhelming. 

Which brings me to why I’m telling our story. On 20 October 2019 I am going to complete the Great South Run - the longest distance I have ever run, and only my second ever “event” of its kind – all in an effort to raise funds for Southampton’s Princess Anne Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

So far I have lost over three stone in weight and feel I’m working towards a level of fitness that I haven’t been at for over 10 years. I am also training specifically to rebuild my hamstring and quadriceps on my right leg, to support my body properly having suffered two Medial Collateral Ligament tears in recent years. Yes, I really do know what I’m letting myself in for! I’m both excited and apprehensive about the challenge; this is taking me completely out of my comfort zone.

Thank you for your support and donations, it means the absolute world to me, and helps motivate me to train harder & push on to my end goal in October. It’s a tough battle, but one that will be more than worth it. My employer, Freightliner, has also kindly agreed to match my fundraising, so every £1 you donate will be doubled.