Ever since Toby and Arthur were born two and a half years ago, I have been trying to think of ways I could raise funds for premature babies: I tried running, but I couldn’t manage a marathon, I wanted to hold a cricket match, but it rained all summer, I’d love to climb a mountain, but I can’t leave Arthur behind; and now I am 29 weeks pregnant and unable to muster the energy to take the dogs for a walk!

Having given birth at 26 weeks, losing Toby at 5 weeks old and visiting Arthur in the neo-natal unit for over 3 months has made me very conscious of the dangers and realities of premature birth, and the incredible work that these units do.  The Grace Research Fund helps finance much needed research into the causes of premature births and the best forms of neonatal care.

Babies born at 28 weeks and after are ‘legally viable’ and have a 90% (increasing) chance of survival if born early.  Now that I am 29 weeks pregnant and the Prof. seems confident that my baby is looking happy where it is, I thought I could raise some money by simply getting as near to full term as I can – that’s nearly 3 months of inactivity!

So if premature babies have ever touched your heart, or even if having babies has come very easily to you – please donate to The Grace Research Fund at University Hospital Coventry where Arthur spent his first 3 months and Toby his whole life.

Thank you, Anna

02/07/09  UPDATE:  I’m now at 32 weeks, so theoretically another 8 to go.  I’ll be honest, it’s filling me with dread if this weather continues, not only am I the size of a whale but I’ve also got hay fever.  

My heart felt thanks to all of you who have sponsored me so far, your support means so much to me; I really believe The Grace Research Fund can help make a difference to the lives of premature babies all over the world, not just in Warwickshire.  

To those of you who haven’t yet got around to sponsoring me, PLEASE do!  Sunspel has kindly donated 10 tee-shirts or boxer shorts (in sizes of your choice) to the person who correctly guesses the weight of the baby.  So get donating and put your guess into the message.  Duplicate entries are perfectly acceptable!

More news soon. . .

 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: University of Warwick gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.  So please sponsor me now!

(Offline Donations: CPH, ASH, T&PC, D&DF, CB, SG, TR, SS, JG, HJ, MBF)

 

4/09/09  If you haven't yet heard . . . I had a baby girl!!  At 40 weeks gestation, my labout was induced and Lilla popped out a few hours later.  We are still reeling from the shock that she's a girl, it's the icing on the cake.  She's perfect in every possible way, and I can't wait for her to wake up so I can have another cuddle.  Thank you for your support and generosity, I am thrilled to have raised so much for such a great cause. 

With love to all, Anna, Dominic, Arthur and Lilla xx