I am marking the 1 year birthday of our fighters Diana and Elias by running the Salford 10km. Although i used to be a competent runner, after twins my main aim is to get around the course! But I wanted to run for a cause that is very close to our hearts as parents of premmies.

Many of you know that our twins Diana and Elias were born 10 weeks early, as tiny 3lb babies fighting for their lives. They spent 8 long weeks on the neonatal unit between Preston and Stepping Hill hospital. The care they received was second-to-none. The journey for us as parents was made so much easier by the support of family and friends, but also by the staff, who became the twins second aunties and cared for them like their own. They were there to laugh with when a nappy change went wrong, and there to cry with when the babies took a step backwards. A support group for parents of babies who have been on the NICU, or indeed are current patients, has been set up by the neonatal team at Stepping Hill. This support group aims to share stories, ideas, experiences and advice. Having had a baby on NICU, I know that there are unique differences, fears and trials that parents of premature babies have to go through - for example, learning to trust your baby without constant monitoring of their observations and oxygen levels, Dealing with not being able to go to large groups in the early days due to the risk of infections to the babies, and lacking support from other mums with babies of similar ages due to being unable to complete antenatal classes when babies came early. Finding support from other parents in similar situations is, I feel, vitally important. The group set up needs some funds and therefore I felt that this was a worthwhile cause to run for. The unit also has to raise funds for equipment such as baby blankets and incubator covers, which are funded by donations - therefore, funds raised will also be put to good use to benefit the babies in this way.

Id be grateful for your donations, however small.