In April 2026, I’ll be running the London Marathon in support of Bliss, a charity dedicated to helping sick and premature babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the UK.

This cause means the world to me because my goddaughter, Matilda, was born seven weeks early at just 33 weeks’ gestation after her mum suffered a partial placental abruption. It was a terrifying time — an emergency C-section was needed to save both of them. Her mum lost three litres of blood, and thanks to the incredible care she received, both she and Matilda made it through.

Matilda’s first few weeks of life were a huge battle. She needed help from a CPAP machine to breathe and required constant specialist care in the NICU. For almost a month, her parents watched and waited, unable to bring her home, while she fought with incredible strength. Just before Christmas, she was finally strong enough to come home — the best gift anyone could have wished for.

The doctors and nurses who cared for Matilda gave her the chance to grow into the bright, beautiful little girl she is today. Without them, she simply wouldn’t be here. That’s why I’m running this marathon — to raise money so that other families facing the same fight can receive the life-saving support they need.

No one can truly understand what NICU life is like until they’ve lived it — asking a nurse how your baby did overnight because you couldn’t be there, going home without your baby in your arms, feeling helpless when all you want to do is hold them close.

NICU babies and their families are warriors. And Bliss makes sure they never have to fight alone.

If you can, please consider donating to help me support Bliss. Every step I take will be for Matilda, for Bliss, and for every tiny warrior still fighting. 💜

*1 in every 7 babies born in the UK will need specialist care.

Bliss is the leading UK charity for babies born premature or sick. They rely entirely on donations to continue their work.

Your donation will help Bliss improve neonatal care, ensure that babies’ needs are at the heart of health policy, and provide vital information and emotional support to families during the most difficult time of their lives.

Together, we can help more babies like Matilda get the best possible start in life.