On 25 May 2013 I will be running the London to Brighton Challenge 62 miles, an epic cross-country Ultra Marathon, in memory of baby Charlotte and to raise funds for Action on Pre-eclampsia. 

 

Before September I was oblivious to the dangers of “pre-eclampsia” until my brother and his wife, Kirsty, lost their beautiful baby girl, Charlotte and very nearly lost Kirsty too.  I thought they were on the ‘home run’ not long to go and the little baby would be here but pre-eclampsia set in.  In just a matter of hours they had gone from having a baby with a strong heart beat to no heart beat.  Kirsty’s condition then deteriorated rapidly and her organs started to shut down.  The next few hours and days were long and fraught but thankfully Kirsty survived. 

 

The loss of a baby at any time is one of the most devastating experiences that a Mother and Father can go through. For months your mind and body have been preparing for the new arrival and instead of having your hands full, they are empty. Instead of a baptism there’s a funeral. You’ve become a mother but haven’t a baby to show for it, just a tiny foot-print on a scrap of paper, a lock of hair in a test-tube and a broken heart.

 

Pre-eclampsia is a life threatening condition; its consequences can be devastating. Worldwide every six minutes a woman dies as a result of pre-eclampsia and in the UK alone this condition leads to the death of around a 1,000 babies a year.

 

I will train and run 100 km for Charlotte, our perfect little angel, born sleeping and for all the other families this condition has affected and continues to affect. 

 

In 2012 1,500 people took on this challenge but only 75% of challengers completed the full course, with many displaying amazing determination and emotion. To succeed on this challenge it requires good preparation, the ability to dig deep, and most importantly to keep going. 

 

Please sponsor me to raise money for Action on Pre-eclampsia.

 

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