I'm training to run the Hull 10k on 18/06/2017 to raise money for the Hull NICU, to say Thank You to the people who saved our daughter, who took such good care of her for the first 14 weeks of her life, and supported us throughout her NICU journey. This is a huge challenge for me as I am not a runner, I am following a 14 week running programme meaning that starting on Alice's birthday (today, 02/01/17) theoretically could mean that by the anniversary of her discharge from the NICU (11/04/17) I would be capable of running 10k! However I will be taking it slowly as this will take me much longer!

Alice was delivered by caesarean at 26 weeks + 5 days, weighing 2lb 5oz, and was given only a 60% chance of survival. The day she was born, as she was rushed to the NICU, I was put into a medically induced coma, on a ventilator in the ICU whilst I battled pneumonia. Alice had to be delivered to give us both a chance of survival as without treatment neither of us would be here today. I spent 13 days in a coma, and as I was fighting for my life, Alice was fighting for hers, her strength and determination amazes me. When I was woken up I was unable to speak or move, I was confused, scared, frustrated, and angry that I couldn't be with my little girl. But the kindness of my daughters nurses shone through, they regularly sent letters detailing how she was doing and what was happening to her, they also sent photographs and her hand and foot prints. As well as caring for Alice, the nurses supported my husband, and our young sons (then 4 & 6) when they visited their tiny sister in hospital, and were so supportive when I was finally able to meet my daughter for the first time. They were there for us as Alice fought for her life, battling infections, and learning to feed and breathe, explaining her condition, procedures and equipment, and teaching us how to care for her. These special nurses became like friends helping us through our NICU journey. They are Angels in Blue!