Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. I am taking part in the Great South Run to raise money for research into Obstetric Cholestasis; a relatively rare pregnancy-related liver disorder that can result in premature delivery and stillbirth.
Research work at The Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (IOG) focuses on genetic factors that cause pregnant women to be susceptible to OC, and on identifying the reasons why unborn babies die suddenly or are born prematurely.
It is suspected that in OC the high levels of bile acids in the mother’s blood cross the placenta to the blood of the unborn baby causing the baby’s heart to stop beating, and this may explain why they die suddenly.
The researchers at the IOG are working with heart cells to develop treatments that will protect the babies heart from the harmful effects of bile acids. This, coupled with their focus on genetics will hopefully help the understanding of OC fully so that the risk of stillbirth or premature delivery is minimised and women who have OC will experience less anxiety as a result.
In 2008 I developed OC; fortunately my experience has a very positive outcome as my daughter Annabel was born safely following the intervention of the Princess Anne Maternity Hospital in Southampton. I have entered the Great South Run: to raise money for vital research into this condition as well as hopefully raising its profile – so that other expectant mothers are aware of this potentially life threatening condition.
If you want to find out more about OC, please visit: http://www.ocsupport.org.uk/index.html
Your sponsorship money will be transferred via the Women for Women charity directly into the research into OC, at Imperial College, LondonDonating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Thank you for your support.
