Thank you for supporting my fundraising for Liverpool Women’s Hospital Bereavement suite appeal.

We have sadly needed to use the support of the hospital and the bereavement support services on two occasions. Once in 2015 when our son Matthew was born sleeping and again in 2023 when the same thing happened with our daughter Orla.

On both occasions the care and support we received was exceptional - but more so with Orla last year. We were amazed by the room that was available, where we were able to spend time with her and allowed the opportunity for family to visit. I know that being able to visit her in a comfortable private setting, helped our parents with their own grief and coming to terms with their loss.

The Bereavement suite appeal aims to transform clinical rooms on the gynaecology and maternity wards into comfortable, home-like spaces to be used by families who have experienced a pregnancy loss or still birth. The rooms allow families to stay together in peaceful surroundings to make special memories, away from the bustle of the rest of the hospital whilst being supported by the hospital’s nurses, doctors, and Honeysuckle Team.

Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity must raise £100,000 to make the suite of rooms as comfortable as possible for families by introducing:

· Soundproofing to protect families from the sounds on the wards.

· LED cloud lighting to create a calm atmosphere during clinical procedures.

· A pull-down double bed to allow partners to stay so families can remain together.

· Comfortable furniture and basic amenities such as a kettle and microwave to create a self-contained space.

· Artwork to create a peaceful and relaxing environment.

· Soft furnishings to create a home-from-home.

So – what am I doing?

I will be completing three long distance runs.

Anyone who knows me knows that I like to run! The reason I run primarily is because it helps keep my mind clear, but I am not the fittest and a marathon is something that will be a huge challenge for me.

So, to warm up, I will be competing the Liverpool Half Marathon on Sunday 17th March. This falls on the weekend Orla was due, so it will be nice to run in her memory.

On Saturday 6th April, I will complete a full marathon starting from home and finishing at the women’s hospital. This falls on Matthew’s 9th birthday weekend, so it will be nice to run in his memory.

Finally, the recovery run will be on Sunday 14th April - the Mersey tunnel 10k from Liverpool to New Brighton.

This represents a physically and mentally demanding challenge for me, but it is for such a worthy cause and any support you can give no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading.

Craig