I'm joining #TeamSpoons and running the Great Manchester Run 10k on 18th May 2025.

Our little boy, Jem, was born 7 weeks early in September 2024. His arrival completely caught us off guard. We never expected to spend the first month of his life in hospital (or 3 different ones) on the neonatal unit.

Staff and volunteers from Spoons came to see us on the ward after we had Jem. They had conversations with us to help reassure us and talk about the things we were finding difficult. They were at the end of the phone for any questions we had as they had all experienced neonatal care themselves.

Since being back at home, we have attended the baby massage community group almost every week. This is free for families of babies who have experienced neonatal care and it’s been an amazing source of peer support. I burst into tears after the first session as it was so lovely to be around mums and babies with similar stories.

Since having Jem, I have completed to couch to 5k to get me back into running, something I loved pre baby and pre IVF! Im ready for the next challenge of running 10k and what better way to do it then at the Great Manchester Run in May!

Please support me by making a donation towards Spoons' vital services helping families experiencing neonatal care and to give me the boost I need to make it round!

Thank you so much. Lots of love,

Ellis, Faye and Jem xxx