On 27th September 2022 at 7.50pm, our precious daughter Penelope was stillborn at 22 weeks. We had no warning, and no clear reason was ever found and it was deemed ‘just one of those things.’

Four months later, after being given the all clear, I became pregnant with our son Ted through a frozen embryo transfer, using one of the remaining embryos from the same IVF cycle as Penelope. It brought me comfort knowing they began their journey together.

My pregnancy with Ted was incredibly difficult. At 22 weeks, I was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix and hospitalised. Multiple cervical stitches and an arabin pessary were used to try and keep him safe, but by 28 weeks things looked critical. I laboured on and off from June, and by some miracle, we welcomed Ted on 18th September 2023 at 36 weeks.

Just seven months later, on 21st April, I completed the London Marathon. I hadn’t trained properly and wasn’t in shape to run 5k, let alone a full marathon, but I was determined to honour Penelope’s memory.

Now, on 12th October 2025, just over three years since I gave birth to her, I will run the Great Eastern Half Marathon for Little Wings, a small but incredible charity supporting bereaved parents.

In three years, I’ve birthed two babies, endured two rounds of IVF, multiple surgeries, total bed rest, and immense heartbreak. This run is not just about finishing, it’s about finishing strong. For Penelope, for Little Wings, and for me.

Thank you for reading my story. Any donations, however small, would mean the world.