As proud parents of two beautiful preemies, Emma and Kayleigh, along with some incredible friends, are taking on a huge challenge — an 11km run from Heartlands Hospital, where Thea and Elijah’s journeys began, all the way to Good Hope Hospital, where both babies were finally discharged after spending approximately 13 weeks in the NICU and SCBU.

We’re doing this to give back to a charity that supported us in ways we’ll never forget — MANF. The kindness, comfort, and care they offered was truly unmatched. Whether it was a listening ear during our lowest moments, making sure we had a meal or a warm drink, or simply reminding us that our strength as parents mattered too — MANF was there.

And that’s just a small glimpse into the incredible work they do every day for families like ours. This run is for them — and for every tiny fighter and family that needs a little extra support in their NICU journey.

About the Maddie and Noah Foundation:

The Maddie and Noah Foundation is a non-profit charity focused on supporting families through their neonatal journey and beyond. Founded in 2017, and launched in 2022 following a personal experience of the neonatal unit, where Vikki suffered the devastating loss of her twins Maddie and Noah.

The idea stemmed from Vikki (the founder) who had twins, Maddie and Noah born at Heartlands Hospital in 2017. Unfortunately, after a short neonatal journey, they both passed away due to extreme prematurity after 5 days and 13 days.

The mission behind the charity is to provide support to parents and families who find themselves on the neonatal wards at Good Hope and Heartlands hospitals.

MANF provide peer support to parents in need, offering a listening ear, a comforting shoulder, mental health referrals, food for hospital parent and family rooms and urgent donations for essential baby items during their hospital stay and at home.

Their work has proven to be beneficial to the families they help and without the publics support, this service just couldn't sustain itself.

Their dedication to making a difference and commitment to bringing about change is something I wish to support and advocate for.