I'm running a marathon!

In July 2022 we welcomed our second son into the world, 9 weeks early. We were thrown into a world we knew nothing about at 2am, on a Wednesday, with a 2 year old at home and the tail end of a global pandemic.

As we sat in labour and delivery, we turned to Google to help us make some sense of things. And that is how we found Bliss. They were a light in the darkness; a source of credible information. No-one should have to research the survival odds of their baby and in a world of AI and mis-information, this feels even more conflicted.

Bliss were there to calm our fears. They opened our eyes to the world of NICU and prematurity. Their guidance on interventions, terminology and statistics was accessible, even in our sleep-deprived state.

When we transferred away from home, they were there again. Their mark of approval on our new NICU demonstrating the care and compassion of the staff, their family centred pledge. At a time where I had just lost my nan, my baby was now in intensive care, my husband who couldn't visit as he had COVID and no other visitors were allowed. However Bliss could support - their phone, video chat and email support was invaluable.

Bliss continues their incredible work to change the future care of babies and families born sick or premature. They were instrumental in the implementation of the Neonatal Care and Leave Pay, which entitles parents for 1 week of leave for every 7 days that their baby is in NICU/PICU. This would have been amazing for our family and we are so grateful for this support that exists for new families on our situation.

The rate of babies born premature or sick in the UK is rising with 1 in every 7 babies needing neonatal care.

Bliss is continuing the fight to improve outcomes and quality of life for these babies - but we need your help to do that.

And this is why I am taking my biggest challenge yet, London 2026 🎉