Action Medical Research is a UK-wide charity funding vital research to help sick and disabled babies and children. They fight for answers that can lead to cures, treatments and medical breakthroughs for some of the toughest fights our children face.

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I’m running the London Marathon in support of Action Medical Research, who raise vital funds to help children like my son Lando.

In 2022, whilst I was pregnant, at our 20-week scan, the sonographer discovered that our baby had a heart abnormality and only one, very unusual kidney. What followed were weeks of uncertainty, countless tests and procedures, and overwhelming fear.

Nine weeks later, during a cardiac follow-up scan, we learned that my placenta was failing. I was admitted to hospital immediately and told to expect that our baby would be born that week, three months early. In fact, we nearly delivered that very same day when our baby’s heart rate dropped. I was rushed to theatre for a Category 1 emergency and prepared for a caesarean section under general anaesthetic. At the very last moment, however, Lando’s heart rate stabilised, and we were moved back to the ward so I could receive magnesium and steroids to support his brain and lung development ahead of his early arrival, to increase his chances of survival.

Two days later, his heart became too unstable, and he had to be delivered. He was whisked away to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where he would spend the next two months. We didn’t see him again for five hours, and even then, I had to be transported in my hospital bed—and we weren’t allowed to hold him. We couldn’t hold him for nearly a week, which was unimaginably difficult.

Lando was born with a rare congenital heart defect and a rare kidney abnormality. He has since undergone three open-heart surgeries to try to correct his heart, the first of which occurred before he had reached his due date. After his second open heart surgery, he caught pneumonia and after his third, he suffered a freak accident in surgery which required further abdominal surgery to correct. He spent five of his first 18 months living in hospital, largely in intensive care units.

This time was deeply traumatising, but as I write this, Lando is a happy, almost three-and-a-half-year-old. He may still be small—but he is mighty! We consider ourselves very fortunate that Lando’s story has a positive ending. I am raising money for AMR in the hope that other children don’t have to go through what he has.

If you can afford to make a donation, it would be hugely appreciated, both by me and my family and also by the team at AMR.

Thank you for taking the time to read this far. Below I have shared some of the excellent work which AMR does, and its relevance to Lando.

Learning resources to support children born prematurely | Action Medical Research - This study helps teachers better understand the specific needs of children born prematurely. As premature children are more likely to experience learning difficulties, it brings me comfort, as Lando begins his educational journey, to know that Action is supporting the development of an e-learning resource designed to help educators recognise and respond to these challenges.

Protecting sleep for premature babies in neonatal care | Action Medical Research - We often wondered how the nights in NICU affected Lando — with constant noise and lights on, it felt so far from womb-like. Action has supported research into how hospital environments disrupt sleep cycles in preterm infants and how this might impact developing brains.

Preventing brain damage in babies with congenital heart disease | Action Medical Research - When Lando was born, he needed oxygen and breathing support, which he remained reliant on until his corrective heart surgery. We were told he might lag behind his peers in meeting milestones — and whilst he has done incredibly well so far, the risk was very real. Action supports research into reducing the risk of brain damage in babies with congenital heart conditions, like Lando.

Protecting premature born children from developing mental health problems | Action Medical Research - Children born preterm have an increased likelihood of mental health challenges later in childhood or adolescence. It’s reassuring that Action is helping support work to better identify and support children most at risk.

Improving treatments to prevent premature birth | Action Medical Research - Lando was born at 29 weeks. This research highlights how vital it is to investigate ways of preventing preterm birth wherever possible. Even if future pregnancies are higher risk, work like this means clinicians may be better equipped to intervene earlier.

When to start milk feeds for sick premature babies | Action Medical Research - Lando received TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) through an IV when he first arrived — I can’t recall the exact duration — because babies born very early can’t yet process enteral feeds. Once he was ready, he received tiny, frequent doses of my breast milk via a feeding tube while his suck-swallow-breathe coordination matured.

Pioneering fetal heart rate monitor | Action Medical Research - Once placental insufficiency was diagnosed, I remained in hospital for ongoing monitoring. Lando’s heart rate was unstable, so close monitoring was essential. Doctors delayed delivery as much as possible so they could administer critical medications for his brain and lungs. When his heart rate became too unstable, an emergency C-section was performed — and that monitoring, and the insights it offered, was life-saving

Ultrasound in pregnancy | Action Medical Research - Lando’s heart condition was first suspected at our 20-week scan when the sonographer spotted abnormalities. After referral to a cardiac specialist and a follow-up scan, his diagnosis was confirmed and a plan put in place. It was also at this follow-up that the placental insufficiency was identified — without the development of ultrasound, our outcome would be very different.