Myself, Gregg, Ellie & Lewis will all be running the GNR for Bliss, a charity close to our hearts and without we may not have our beautiful little solider boy, Lucas, with us today!

On the 12th January, the same day as my 28 week check up, our worlds got turned upside down when my waters broke in the middle of the night. After a tense day waiting in Harrogate and being closely monitored, we were blue lighted to Stockport Stepping Hill hospital where we were able to keep Lucas safe for 5 days. Then on the 16th January just after lunch as Gregg was returning back to hospital after being at home with Evie, I was rushed for an emergency C section. Being pumped with steriods, magnesium and many more as well as being prepared for the unknown with delivering a baby 3 months early; it is fair to say we were all terrified.

An hour later and probably the scariest 10 minutes of our lives, a tiny and very poorly little boy was rushed past us in his incubator. Whilst I was in recovery, Gregg went to sit with our boy, surrounded by machines and constant beeping we just had to play a waiting game and put all our trust into the most incredible medical professionals in the special care baby unit, nothing any parents should have to experience. To be told by the consultant that our beautiful little 2lb 3oz boy was stable but he didn’t trust him or what could happen next was terrifying.

However, within 12 hours we had our first miracle and he was off his ventilator, something no one was expecting and we got the best gift we could ask for and we were finally allowed to hold our tiny little boy, who was the size of Gregg’s hand.

From that day, he continued to gain strength and surprise all the professionals. After various tests and scans we were finally given the go ahead to move closer to home, and after 2 weeks we were transported from Stockport to York where we spent another 3 weeks. From York we moved even closer to home and spent the final 5 weeks in Harrogate. The consultant from Stockport continued to call and check in, genuinely amazed by his progress and strength.

We were still in ‘Covid times’ and unfortunately not allowed visitors so poor Evie didn’t meet her baby brother for 10 weeks. However the care, the emotional support and friends we made along the way, made our experience slightly easier. We will be forever in debt to the amazing NHS staff in all three hospitals, from the nurses who sat with me trying to reassure me, to the parking man who never charged me for my numerous visits throughout the day!

We now have the most beautiful, happy and funny little boy who has been signed off from all medical support, he is thriving and we couldn’t be prouder as a family!

Nothing will prepare you when having a premature baby and the support the whole family needs, not just the parents. We hope we can raise as much money as possible to give a little bit back to this amazing charity supporting families just like ours.

Every day more than 300 babies are admitted to a neonatal unit in the UK. That's why on 7th September 2025 I'm going to be running for Bliss in the Great North Run.

Bliss is the UK's leading charity for babies born premature or sick.