Milly was due at the end of March but arrived at the beginning of December, at 25 weeks and 872g. Nothing can prepare you as a parent for that degree of prematurity. Even now, over eighteen years later, the emotions  and experiences of 99 days on the neonatal intensive care unit come flooding back. And our memories remain vivid of those individuals who had difficult conversations, supported us and provided outstanding care for Milly. 

We were lucky. Our daughter not only came home but thrived. We’ve watched her grow and mature as a young woman and this summer leave with excellent qualifications ready for her next adventure at university. We couldn’t be more proud of her. But we also experienced the deep sadness of attending the funeral of another child and saw the reality of living with severe disability from prematurity.

Tommy’s the Baby Charity provided crucial support to us as parents at a very difficult time in our lives and that of our daughter. They helped us directly in a subsequent and very difficult pregnancy. They are committed not just to caring but to researching the causes of prematurity so parents and children do not have to go through these very difficult experiences. 

So to celebrate Milly leaving school and going to university, I’m raising money for Tommy’s. I’ve been lucky in being awarded a place in the London Marathon ballot (after a gazillion unsuccessful attempts) on October 3^rd. I’ve never run a marathon before, and to say it is daunting is a bit of an understatement. But I’ve put the training in, and my legs haven’t snapped off yet! 

Please consider giving, as not only will it help a good cause but it will really motivate me to go the distance, thinking every step of the way about my daughter and her journey. Thank you!