157 Days for Elijah, 26.2 Miles for Bliss

In early 2026, at just 26 weeks pregnant, my sister‑in‑law developed severe pre‑eclampsia. Elijah entered the world far earlier than anyone expected, weighing less than a bag of sugar. Instead of going home with his parents, he began the fight of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at University College London Hospital.

For the next 157 days, the NICU became Elijah’s home.

Those 157 days were some of the hardest our family has ever lived through. Every phone call carried both hope and fear. Every tiny milestone felt monumental. There were moments of uncertainty, tears and sleepless nights - but also moments of strength, resilience and extraordinary courage. Through it all, Elijah never stopped fighting.

The doctors, nurses and specialists at UCLH became more than a medical team. They became a source of comfort, reassurance and hope. And alongside them, Bliss provided vital support, helping my in‑laws navigate the overwhelming reality of neonatal care and reminding them they weren’t alone.

Today, watching Elijah grow stronger, healthier and happier feels nothing short of miraculous. His determination has inspired everyone around him, and I wanted to honour his journey in a way that gives back to the people and organisations who helped make it possible.

157 Days for Elijah

If Elijah could endure his first 157 days in intensive care, I can take on 157 days of challenge.

For 157 consecutive days, I’ll complete at least 20 minutes of purposeful activity - running, strength training, mobility work, cycling, or simply walking on the days when motivation is low. Whatever it looks like, I’ll keep moving forward.

This challenge begins at the end of August 2026 and finishes in early February 2027, marking Elijah’s first birthday.

There will be days when I’m tired, sore or tempted to quit. But those moments will never compare to what Elijah, his parents and so many families face during a neonatal journey. On the hardest days, Elijah’s strength will be the reason I keep going.

26.2 Miles for Bliss

On Sunday 25 April 2027, I’ll stand on the start line of the London Marathon and run my very first 26.2 miles.

Every mile will be for Bliss - to help them continue their incredible work supporting premature and sick babies, and the families whose worlds can change in an instant.

Each step will be a thank you:

• To Bliss, for guiding families through their darkest days.

• To the extraordinary neonatal team at UCLH who cared for Elijah.

• To everyone who supported my in‑laws when they needed it most.

• And to my nephew, who never gave up and remains the heart of this challenge.

How You Can Help

I’m asking you to donate - not for me, but for the babies and families who need support, or who may be about to begin their own 157‑day journey. For the families watching their tiny fighter battle for every breath. For the parents sitting beside an incubator, wondering what tomorrow will bring.

Together, we can help Bliss continue providing comfort, guidance and hope when families need it most.

Please give what you can. Every donation, no matter the size, has the power to change someone’s story.

This challenge is for Elijah, for his incredible parents, for the doctors and nurses who helped him get home, and for Bliss - who champion the right of every premature or sick baby to receive the best care by supporting families, campaigning for change and enabling life‑changing research.

Thank you for supporting us, for believing in Elijah, and for helping us give something back. 💙🧡

157 Days for Elijah. 26.2 Miles for Bliss.

Every day. Every mile. Every donation matters.