In September 2020 our world changed forever for the most challenging of times and the best gift we could ever wish for.

Our beautiful daughter Molly was born. Molly unfortunately suffered a severe oxygen loss (HIE) at birth and we were told it was unlikely she would make it past 72hrs. But our brave girl made it through. Sadly, this oxygen loss led to a lifetime of challenges, complex needs and uncertainties for Molly. 

We were very quickly thrown into a world of unknown, immense learning and feelings of loss, devastation and hope. Molly requires chest physio twice daily (when well) 15 meds a day, 6 nebulisers and inhalers, tube feeding through the day and night, suctioning and a world of appointments and therapy. 

Molly has taught us what bravery, resilience and strength really is and we couldn’t be more proud of her. 

Following the impact of her birth, she received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy last year, she is multi sensory impaired, has a heart condition and an unsafe suck a swallow which has led to tube feeding via her tummy. Secretions and tube feeding often lead to infection and Molly has rarely had a month without one. Molly has suffered four cardiac arrests in her little life due to several complications, and unfortunately when one of these happened at home in June last year, her amazing Dadda and my wonderful husband was incredibly courageous and  fought so hard, managing to bring her back to us. Molly then spent 7 weeks at Royal Brompton where she received intensive care and we finally got to bring her home again.

BUT… none of Molly’s challenges define her. Molly is defined by her beautiful smile, her big blue eyes, her loving personality and ability to light up a room even on the most darkest of days she has faced. She has a LOVE for love and kindness and watching people cuddle certainly prompts the biggest smile and giggles! Along with Mr Tumble… 

She has lit up our world in a way we could never have imagined and has tackled everything thrown at her with a warm heart and sheer determination - something we are so grateful to witness every single day. She is just incredible.

The uncertainties and devastation was impalpable, in many ways still is and we are still reeling, as is Molly. 

BUT what we do have is the power of hope, the choice of hope over statistics, a positivity and a drive and duty as her loving parents to ensure she has all she needs and deserves to achieve her very best potential. 

Although Molly’s journey is full of challenges, we have been so fortunate along the way to receive the support of two wonderful charities which we are raising money for both of this year. 

One of which is Dame Vera Lynn Children’s charity who support children under 5 with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments to realise their full potential.

One of the main challenges of cerebral palsy and a brain injury leads to an unknown future of whether Molly will be able to sit, talk, eat orally, crawl or walk. Her injury affects all movement, coordination and learning. Dame Vera Lynn Children’s charity have provided Molly with swimming lessons, conductive education, music therapy and home play. They provide a sanctuary for us, a world of encouragement for Molly and share in our hope for her to achieve her best in a happy, supportive, understanding and kind environment. It is wonderful to witness the progress each child makes with them and they have been like a lifeline to us. We are so proud of all Molly has achieved so far and have no doubt with their continued support, Molly will certainly reach her very best and continue to thrive. Classes are free of charge but the centre costs around £375,000 a year to run. They really do make the world of difference to families like us and that’s why I have decided to raise money for them and run three races this year; 10k Brighton Trail on 26th June, Reigate Half marathon on the 18th September and The Sussex Downs Trail half marathon on the 19th November. Fitting in training with Molly’s needs has been challenging to say the least! BUT I want to do this to support them and to follow in the footsteps of our amazing, brave, resilient and beautiful girl. I also believe running can really help your mental health after any suffering of trauma. 

Because of Molly, we’ve met some amazing people along this way, found the ability to seek the positives and been shown sheer kindness and support in others, friends and family beyond belief.

So I apologise now to our wonderful and amazing family and friends who have shown us such incredible support since Molly has arrived and for being so rubbish at replying to messages! Just know we love you all and are so grateful… and here I go again asking for more…just one more little favour (😜😂🥰) if you do have any spare pennies, please share with me in supporting this wonderful charity if you can. Even if it’s the tiniest of donation, this will help other children like Molly to continue to receive the best early intervention and invaluable therapy and help them along their journeys. Thank you all so much, it means the world xxx