Story
<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p>
<p>In 1995 I was delighted to hear that there was going to be a "new Penny" in the world, and we looked forward to the birth of our child in October. Things didnt work out as expected and our baby was born in June - 4 months early. Weighing only 770gms (1lb 11oz for the older reader!) his life was in the balance and everyday was a roller coaster. The prognosis for prem babies born at 24 weeks is very poor but after 4 months he was through the worst and came home. </p>
<p>With the help of the superb special care team at the Heath Hospital in Cardiff, Tom survived with no problems and is grateful and lucky to be alive.</p>
<p>Imagine our shock when, two years later Meg was born at 26 weeks weighing the same. Another long haul at the hospital ensued and once again through the dedication and expertise of the staff, she is now a fit and well young lady.</p>
<p>We are so grateful to all that helped our kids "and us" survive the ordeal but this may not have been the happy outcome without the assistance of a charity known as BLISS.</p>
<p>Bliss, the special care baby charity, provides vital support and care to premature and sick babies across the UK. They offer guidance and information at a critical time in families' lives and fund ground-breaking research and campaign for babies to receive the best possible level of care regardless of when and where they are born.</p>
<p>Without their ongoing assistance we would not have our kids here today!</p>
<p>Because of this I now feel it is time that I gave something back and so much against my better judgement I have decided to try to cycle to Spain from Cardiff this September 2011. Many friends have agreed to join me on this idoitic venture but none so far have agreed to actually cycle!! I hope to do this in about 2 weeks - sore legs and b*m permitting!</p>
<p>Please help me raise as much as possible to help other babies and parents through a traumatic time. So many outcomes are not as fortunate as ours - we have been so lucky. </p>
<p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p>
<p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>