Dear Reader

I still get emotional hours after a long run.  Preparing for the TCS London Marathon 2023 is proving to be emotional and tougher than I imagined. 

Not too long ago, the probability that I would never run again was a harsh reality when I woke up in ICU and when I had to start learning to walk all over again. 

My name is Elizabeth Chipo Madhanga – Mhaka and I am a Severe Pre-Eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome survivor. I am running the London Marathon 2023 to raise awareness of  Pre-Eclampsia.

What started off as a normal pregnancy turned horribly wrong at 27 weeks. I developed symptoms I thought were normal during pregnancy; upper stomach cramps which we thought were acids, weight gain all over body(including my face) shortness of breath and vision changes.  Sounds like normal pregnancy symptoms, right? WRONG!  

I presented myself at my local hospital puffed up and swollen everywhere. All the while thinking all was normal only to be told I had severe pre-eclampsia and already developed a complication of pre-eclampsia called HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets).  At this stage in my life I had no idea what platelets were , but one thing was certain, I needed platelets transfusion ASAP and my life depended on it.

An emergency caesarean had to be performed. I woke up in ICU hours later and was a mom to our daughter, Adira. Due to the severity of my condition, I could not see my baby. The nurses assured me she was doing fine and I would go see her once I was well enough all I had to do was focus on getting better for her. The details of what transpired that fateful week remain a blur till this day as I was heavily drugged. I never got the chance to hold my daughter as she passed away before I was well enough to see her. RIP Adira.

Recovering from this ordeal has not been easy. Till today, some days are good and some bad. As I reflect on my own experiences, it has made me realise there is little awareness and support for victims and families affected by Pre-Eclampsia. With the passage of time, I’ve realized that I am not alone in this ordeal and thousands of women and families suffer and or are affected by Pre-Eclampsia. A lot of people are still not aware of this very dangerous condition and its severity which hinders early detection.

That is why I have taken the opportunity to raise funds for Action on Pre-Eclampsia (APEC). I hope my story motivates you to donate to my campaign: London Marathon 2023 - raising awareness to Pre-Eclampsia. All proceeds will be donated directly to Action on Pre-Eclampsia (APEC), an organisation educating and informing the society on Pre-Eclampsia (APEC). 

I am running the London marathon 2023 not just for me but for all the affected women and families out there. If you know anyone who has been affected by pre-eclampsia and needs support, they can reach out to Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC).

Thank you for reading my story.