I’m taking on a half marathon (13.1 miles) in honour of my son Finley and to raise money for Friends of the Baby Unit Royal Derby.

Finley was born at just 30 weeks. From the moment he arrived, he needed intensive care. He suffered bleeds on the brain, was placed on ventilation to help him breathe, and was fed through a tube because he was too small and fragile to feed normally.

In those first days, we weren’t even able to cuddle him. For over 24 hours, we couldn’t hold our own baby. Finley had a central line — a special tube placed into a large vein to deliver vital medication and nutrition directly into his bloodstream — which meant he had to stay completely still and handled only by medical staff. Even when we were finally allowed to hold him, he had to be carefully passed to us by nurses. Something as simple as picking up your own child wasn’t possible.

Like so many NICU parents, we relied entirely on the neonatal teams during one of the hardest times of our lives.

Friends of the Baby Unit help provide vital equipment, comfort items, and extra support for premature and sick babies and their families — things that go beyond what the NHS alone can offer.

I’m running 13.1 miles to give back, say thank you, and help future families receive the same care and compassion we did.

📅 Goal: Derby Running Festival Half Marathon – 2nd August 2026

🎯 Fundraising target: £2,000

Every £500 raised will unlock a “Yes Day”, where anyone who donates can send me a challenge — and I’ll say YES and complete as many as I can that day.

Every donation, big or small, truly makes a difference. Thank you so much for supporting Finley and this amazing cause 🤍