30 Before 30 has been an idea I’ve thought about for a few years now, and always thought I wouldn’t be able to achieve it. Well nows the chance to prove to myself that it is possible. Through a series of running races (5ks, 10ks and half marathons, a marathon and an ultra marathon, and a few other random ones), virtual races, and other sports which could earn me a medal, I’ll be getting a step closer to allowing lots of parents the fabulous support we received when Emilia was ill. 

You probably know our story by now, but if not here it is: 

Emilia was born with a condition called TOF/OA which requires surgery at Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge, a good hour and half/2 hours from home. She was born at George Eliot hospital, Nuneaton, at lunch time, and by 4pm she was in an ambulance on the way to Cambridge. I wasn’t able to be discharged until 6:30pm, and once I was discharged we rushed home, grabbed some bits and headed down to her. 

On the way we were wondering what we were going to do regarding accommodation, but once we got onto the ward, Emilia’s nurse gave us the keys to a room in Chestnut House. This is charity accommodation provided by The Sick Children’s Trust, and was just downstairs from Emilia’s bed. It gave us a private bed and bathroom, and access to a kitchen, lounge. It meant that after a long day of giving birth, having the shock we had, and a long journey down to Cambridge, we were able to try and get some sleep knowing Emilia was in very safe hands upstairs. It also meant the next day when she went into surgery we had somewhere peaceful to go. It also provided us with a great network of friends and support from the members of staff there. They offered hugs, cups of tea and laughs just when we needed them. We stayed there for 6 and a half weeks and it really was a Home from Home  

We will always be grateful for what we received from the SCT and we will always be trying to give back, hence why they are my chosen charity for this crazy challenge!!