I am running my first ever half marathon for Claire House Children’s Hospice, in memory of my beautiful baby girl Phoebe Kimber.

On Sunday 7th April 2024 I am taking part in the London Landmark’s Half Marathon which is 13.1 miles. Claire House Children’s Hospice is a charity very close to my heart , they provide specialist care for the babies and children of Cheshire and Merseyside. They help seriously and terminally ill children live life to the full, and in our case are there for families when they need them most , when the heartbreaking moment comes to say goodbye to their child.

Our story began on the 3rd June 2019 when I gave birth to identical twins Phoebe and Gabriella, they were born at 31 weeks weighing 3lb each, they were tiny but totally perfect. They were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and after a bumpy start they amazed everyone and continued to make good progress. At 4 weeks old we were given the news they were ready for home, we were over the moon. The day before they were due to come home, Phoebe all of a sudden became very poorly , followed by Gabriella 24 hours later. Both girls had contracted a strain of meningitis that’s very rare. They were transferred to Liverpool Women’s Hospital where a specialist team were ready to take over their care. The team fought so hard to save Phoebe, but the inflammation on her brain from the infection had caused so much damage her tiny little body began to shut down . With no other option but to withdraw all medical care, we had to prepare to say goodbye, we were and still are to this day absolutely and utterly heartbroken.

Luckily due to there fast actions they managed to save Gabriella which we will forever be eternally grateful.

The day we found out Phoebe wasn’t going to survive was when our contact with Claire House started, and a real life angel called Kat appeared, she was Phoebe’s palliative care nurse and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. From this point they never left our sides and still to this day give us so much love and support as a family.

We were offered the use of the Butterfly Suite, which is where families spend their last days and hours with their precious babies and children. The amazing nurses helped us make precious memories with Max and Isaac which we will all treasure forever. Phoebe passed away in my arms on the 11th July 2019 aged 5 weeks and 3 days old.

The Hospice rely solely on fundraising and charity work. To put this into perspective it costs £25 an hour for specialist nursing care, £40 an hour for Butterfly Suite Care to help support families say their final goodbyes, £60 an hour for Bereavement Support Counselling for parents and siblings.

The reason I started this fundraising event is to help contribute in some way, so this incredible place is always available to families who need it most. All Phoebe ever knew was love , which she was shown in abundance here.

As Phoebe’s Mummy I wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful care she was given, and I promised Phoebe I would keep her memory alive forever , this is all for you my gorgeous girl 💖

Any donation no matter what amount will make a huge difference. I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart in advance for any donations given .