My name is Rochelle, in April I will be the big 40.To celebrate? And to raise money for a cause that is dear to my heart, I will run the London Marathon. Please help me with this worthy cause

Losing our first baby was the most devastating and painful experience that we have ever had to endure. The sad turn of events had never crossed our minds during this much wanted pregnancy, the words “missed miscarriage” were not part of our vocabulary. I still cling to the saddest image of our tiny baby asleep in a huge sac.

Almost six years later, and after two further no less devastating miscarriages, we have two more, and much wanted wonderful children. We are so happy to have our little brood and much joy they bring us. However there is hardly a day goes by when I don’t shed a tear for the three little ones that are not with us.

Miscarriage is still a taboo; it makes people around you feel awkward especially when they are offering well meaning yet sometimes unhelpful words of comfort. “At least you have a child already”, “it wasn’t meant to be”, “its natures way” or even “at least it wasn’t a proper baby”, all are expressions offered as comfort!!.

THEY WERE OUR BABIES AND THEY WERE REAL

Without the help and support of the miscarriage association, people like us and maybe someone you know, would be left with many unanswered questions and a mountain of heartache.

Please help me to help these wonderful people carry on with their outstanding contribution towards a better understanding of miscarriage

Thank you in advance

Rochelle

My training is on target and I completed the Liverpool half marathon on mothers day when I should have been tucking into chocolate!!

It is my 40th next week so again the goodies will be on hold.....just 2 weeks to go to marathon day

I was featured in the local press last week,  The Liverpool Echo and The Runcorn World,  both published articles about me last week,  see the echo here http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/03/26/tragedy-behind-a-star-s-smile-100252-20677210/

Well,,,,I did it  and yes it was very hard, however it was definitely worth it. The support along the route is terrific a real party atmosphere exists and helps you in the painfull moments

It was quite hot for the first 5 miles, then the rains came and then again at about 17 miles. It was nice to see some people from the MA along the way along with my "2"  who popped up at various points. The finishing mile was very exciting with thousands of people still there even after 6 hours, and it was good of the Queen to pop out and wave when I went past her house!

If you are thinking of doing the Marathon, then try to do this one it is terrific.

May I take this opportunity of saying THANK YOU to everyone who has offered  moral and financial support and words of encouragement. I kept these thoughts with me and I can assuure you it was one of the motivators that  helped me to reach the finish line ,

Best wishes  Rochelle