Hello Everyone! On May 5th 2024 we will be tying up our running shoes and taking part in the Limerick half marathon and have decided to raise money for a good cause whilst doing so!

Having both had experience of premature babies we have decided to raise funds for the Irish Neonatal Health Alliance (INHA)

We have included some further details on our personal experiences below and would very much appreciate anything you can donate to support this wonderful charity. Thank you for your kindness and generosity

Charlotte:

Annabelle was born at 32.6 weeks in July 2021. We were expecting an early arrival due to her sister Elizabeth being born at 36 weeks in June 2020, however there was still a panicked rush to Holles Street followed by an emergency C-Section. Annabelle arrived safely and was then rushed off to the NICU for what would become a three week stay.

Nothing will ever prepare you for having a premature baby and it very quickly becomes evident how vital the skills and support are from the amazing Doctors and Nurses within the NICU - we are so incredibly grateful for the care they provided.

Lorna:

Shea was born at 32 weeks in November 2021 after my water's broke 4 days previously. She was delivered via pre-labour C-Section and rushed to the NICU in the Rotunda hospital before being transferred to Crumlin Children's Hospital for extended care due to her Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

INHA is the only Irish charity that supports families affected by premature birth - families of babies born too soon, too small and too sick to face the busyness of the world.

We give the voice to these families through our educational, advocacy and research work, we support the families and NICUs themselves and promote awareness of the long term impact of prematurity.

We campaign for the inclusion of parents and the family centered care to be the standard in the NICU units based on research that is scientifically proven and HCPs backed.