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I am running this half-marathon to raise money for Tommy's as they are the number one charity that helps those that are the most helpless but who are unable to ask for help; unborn and prematurely born babies.

I am running in memory of our son Leo and for his surviving twin brother, Harry.

Both boys were born prematurely on the 22nd October 2021 following laser ablation surgery. They were born at 23+6weeks and during labour we were told that their survival was unlikely. 

Despite this both boys were successfully resuscitated after the birth and both made it to Neonatal Intensive Care. Harry weighed 1.5lbs while Leo was a little over 1lb.

Within the first 24 hours Harry required a chest drain as well as suffering a Grade 2 brain bleed. Leo had no problems until at about 48 hours old he suffered a Grade 4 brain bleed that irreparably damaged his brain. It was decided to disconnect the wires and remove him from his ventilator to allow him to pass as peacefully as possible.

Harry had several scares in his stay at hospital, requiring resuscitating multiple times and countless blood transfusions. But, finally, after 143 days in hospital, we were able to bring him home. 

He is now a healthy and happy two-year-old who laughs and smiles every day, with fortunately no memories of his time in hospital. 

While in hospital we saw many babies born prematurely with no explanation for why it had occurred. It was heartbreaking to see babies born and immediately requiring ventilators down their throats and cannulas in their tiny veins in order to stay alive. Tommy's is the number one charity for researching pregnancy and finding answers for how to prevent stillbirth and premature birth, allowing babies a normal, healthy and happy start to life.

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