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Pregnancy and birthing journeys are often seen as the euphoric fulfilment of longed expectations. Thankfully many are, but the reality includes what is too often not seen or spoken about: those who long to become pregnant; those who suffer pregnancy loss; those whose birth journey is so far from their vision; those whose partner prays they could find the words to help; or those who have no hand to hold onto.

These life-impacting realities, and so many more, can be a part of daily life for maternity teams such as those at Macclesfield Hospital. This could be the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) delivering news of a silent miscarriage; support during an incomplete pregnancy loss; or the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) supporting a baby's care following a traumatic birth.

Following difficult events in 2024, we were blessed with the birth of our beautiful daughter in May 2025. Surrounded by the support from the SCBU and other teams at Macclesfield, I became committed to giving something back to try and show even a fraction of my gratitude for the care we received during that time, and following previous, loving support from the EPAU department in particular. My hope is to try and help, even slightly, staff whose kindness, warmth and expertise help to support a lifetime - to convey a fraction of our perpetual gratitude.

I am aiming to run my first marathon, specifically Manchester Marathon on 19 April, 2026. Despite fancying myself as something of a runner, I have never run a marathon before - and approach this fighting to overcome an injury sustained in September that resulted in extensive time out and physiotherapy, in the hope I will be able to make good on my commitment. This doubt has been the reason for delay in sharing this fundraiser. As the date approaches, may determination, optimism and Hope carry me across the finish line.

Anything you can give would be so kindly received. I plan to split donations between the EPAU and SCBU units at Macclesfield Hospital, and to update this page with specific information, including goals, including what equipment SCBU is aiming for. I have elected to fundraise through East Cheshire NHS Charity as it allows 25% gift aid to be added, whilst also allowing the charity to be paid directly and for me to stipulate the hospital and ward we are supporting.

My attempts at training can (once approved) be seen on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/citizenerased

If anyone is, or has been, affected by any part of this message, I would gently suggest reaching out to some of the wonderful charities who offer support, such as: The Miscarriage Association, Tommy's, or SANDS - to name but a small few.

Thank you for reading.

Zach