As most of you are aware, on 21st October 2024, Tom and Sophie welcomed into the world their beautiful daughter, Olive, but unfortunately she went to be with our Heavenly Father on 23rd October. She brought such joy in such a short space of time and we miss her so much.

Olive was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome at our 12 week scan. We were told that she would need major heart surgery within days of her life and several times throughout her life. We prayed for a miracle, for her heart to be completely healed. At our 32 week scan they said there was moderate leak in her working ventricle. That meant the chance of an operation was becoming less likely. We were told we would need to wait until birth to see how she was.

When she was born she seemed so strong, we had a few precious minutes with her before she headed to the CICU at GOSH. Unfortunately she had a cardiac arrest a few hours later. She fought for so long but we were told that surgery would be impossible and she died peacefully in our arms a day later.

We know she’s perfectly healed in heaven, we’re just devastated she isn’t with us here.

Olive Joy Rapha Martin. The most beautiful baby girl. This is all in memory of you.

We were fortunate enough to have a space that felt a bit like home at Demelza hospice in Sittingborne for 5 days after she died. We saw firsthand how they deliver extraordinary care to extraordinary children and their families.

Demelza offered us a place to make memories with Olive, space for Arthur to spend time with family and play during this sad time, a comfortable place to stay, food, and since then counselling - all for free.

Tom, Sophie, Hannah, Alice, Harriet, Christian and Grace are running the half marathon to raise money to thank Demelza for what they did for our beautiful Olive and for us as a family. For them to have the chance to bless other families in the future. They were just what we needed.

We are so grateful for any support. If you want to cheer us on, with a run before or a wave as we do the half marathon, you’re very welcome!

Olive, we love you beyond words. Everyday is one day closer to seeing you again. We cannot wait.