Our story and my reason to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2026 for Little Roo:

When we arrived at Frimley hospital for Rachel to be induced she was put on a monitor, and everything changed immediately. Doctors and surgeons appeared, explaining what they could, having us sign forms, and rushing us into scrubs. Within the hour, she was taken for an emergency C-section. We still don’t know how long Harriet was without oxygen. Hearing the resus team called will stay with us forever—but finally we heard her little cry.

That first day was pure trauma: the birth, her struggle to breathe and need for a ventilator, then a seizure as her body began to fail. Frimley couldn’t give her the care she needed, so Harriet was transferred to St Peter’s—a journey that took the entire night.

This is where our time with St Peters and Little Roo began.

Harriet was now in intensive care. Her cooling treatment began to try and prevent further damage. I was alone with her at this point, having had no sleep, and Rachel still at Frimley. I was provided a parents room next door to the NICU, provided food, a shower.

St Peters then arranged a transfer for Rachel also. She was now on their labour ward downstairs.

The next week was a rollercoaster, testing the limits of our emotions and mental strength. Harriet spent 72 hours having her being cooled to induce hypothermia to protect her brain and allow it time to heal, multiple platelet transfusions, and more drugs any child should need. The toll everything by now was taking on her little body was immense, it was struggling and shutting down.

My personal lowest point came in the early hours of Thursday morning. They needed to take her off the ventilator to see if she could breathe without it. I made sure to be there by her side. A decision I couldn't stick by, ending up on the floor in the corridor as they manually pumped air into her lungs for 20 minutes. A nurse stayed with me, until finally she had done it. She was breathing by herself.

From then on, Harriet started to show the strength that she has shown every day since. That Friday we were able to hold her for the very first time.

I stayed next door being able to visit Harriet at all times. Rachel was able to join me following her discharge. The hospital continued providing anything we needed with food, cafe vouchers, care products, and shoulders to cry on. We were taught how to care for Harriet around the tubes, how to bond in the toughest of situations.

Harriet was released from intensive care by the following week, and after another three weeks recovering and gaining strength we were bringing Harriet home.

As I write this, Harriet is now 18 months old. The most determined, happy and smiley little girl. We are so aware of how fortunate we are to have our girl to hold.

We owe so much to St Peters, the Little Roo trust and all of the nurses, doctors and reception/admin staff members. They will always have our thanks and support.