This isn't the easiest story for me to share, and to this day it's not something I can easily talk about, but here goes - the story of our born survivor. This is a photo of our Bobby Bear at just over 24 hours old. He'd arrived five weeks early, slap bang in the middle of the 'Beast from the East', but was a healthy 7lb 7oz and all seemed fine. That first night in hospital, shattered from the birth and complications which only became clear much later, I drifted off. Some time as I slept, one amazing midwife realised something wasn't quite right with Bobby. I woke to learn my baby boy had been whisked from my side to NICU "for observation". Bobby wasn't breathing properly with respiratory distress syndrome and well, suddenly things got serious. For nine days his little life was literally in the hands of the doctors and amazing NICU nurses. In an incubator, inturbated on a ventilator, with wires and tubes and probes everywhere and machines beeping constantly, our little boy was fighting for his life. What were without a doubt the hardest few days of our lives were supported by the amazing staff at Royal Berkshire's Buscot Ward who were there with us every step of the way. The understanding, the kindness, the devotion to Bobby... the hugs and words of hope when both of us were at our lowest. We will never forget the care and support we received from them. And they, in turn, are supported by... a charity called BIBS (Babies in Buscot Support). BIBS provides care, information, support for parents and families and essential, life-saving equipment and machines. BIBS relies on donations and fundraising to survive.


On Mother's Day 2018, aptly enough, Andy and I were allowed to take Bobby home. That Sunday, as I walked out of Buscot Ward's doors, I vowed that one day I would give something back to the amazing people that saved his life. This promise has been on my mind pretty much every day since. So here I am, as our Bobby turns four, asking you to please help me to keep my promise. When I came across this challenge I knew it was something that would push me way out of my comfort zone... but more importantly would hopefully have an impact. Those who know me will think 'there's no way she's ever going to do that!' So supported by my lovely friend Ami, on 7th May we'll be taking on not only a 10k run, but 35 military obstacles including submerged tunnels, walls, ropes, nets, trenches and a tonne of mud. The name itself was reason enough to sign up... Born Survivor! This is most definitely going to push me, but I'm excited for the challenge. I'm enjoying the training and every time I question what on Earth I'm doing, I think of Bobby's early days. I'm doing this for him and for all the other babies that will pass through the Buscot Ward doors. Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your support honestly means the world to me and - if you are able to sponsor me - it will help make a difference for all of Buscot Ward's future little born survivors xx