On the 9th October 2004, my incredible mum gave birth to a stillborn baby boy as a result of an undiagnosed prenatal condition called Vasa Praevia. This condition is rarely diagnosed and affects 1 in every 2,500 births. In these cases, there is a 95% fetal mortality rate. However, by using a Colour Doppler ultrasound, the placental and umbilical blood vessels can be located, and Vasa Praevia can be diagnosed. In cases where it is diagnosed, these babies have a 100% chance of survival. Therefore, on the 23rd September 2018, I will be running 13.1 miles in the Bristol Half Marathon for every 13 years that my brother should have lived, in an attempt to raise money and awareness of this prenatal condition. 

Most of you probably won't have heard of Vasa Praevia. So to briefly explain, it is a prenatal condition where one or more of the baby's placental or umbilical blood vessels cross the entrance to the birth canal beneath the baby. When the cervix dilates or the membranes rupture, the unprotected vessels can tear, causing rapid fetal haemorrhage. As the baby is being born, the vessels can become compressed, compromising the baby’s blood supply and causing oxygen deprivation. 

This charity is one very close to my heart, and I hope that by running the Bristol Half Marathon I will be able to raise money and awareness of Vasa Praevia so that other families don't have to experience what we went through in 2004. Any donations would be incredible, thank you!