Earlier this year, we welcomed our son Charlie into the world. Unfortunately around the time of his birth he developed pneumothorax - air bubbles that form in the lungs. This made his first few breaths very difficult for him and he was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit within 15 minuets of being born. He spent the next five days in the neonatal ward having tests and treatment to establish the cause of his breathing issues. We’re very happy to say that under the expert supervision of his doctors and nurses, Charlie made a complete recovery and is now a happy, smiling baby boy.

During those long days and nights, we were held together by the care, compassion, and incredible expertise of the neonatal team. Not to mention the many chocolate digestives and cups of tea consumed in the family room!

Olive’s Appeal supports families like ours through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. They help fund essential equipment for neonatal units, provide emotional and practical support to families, and work tirelessly to improve care for newborns in crisis.

We will never forget those first days of Charlie’s life—the beeping machines, the tubes, the unknowns —but we’ll also never forget the kindness that surrounded us. That’s why we’re determined to give something back.

What We’re Doing

On September 28th, 2025, we’ll be lacing up our running shoes for the Boulder Half Marathon. With an altitude of 5300ft (over a mile high) it’s a tough challenge especially for two sleep-deprived parents of an under-6-month-old —but nothing compared to what Charlie and so many other babies go through in neonatal care.

Every step we take is for the families who are just beginning their neonatal journey—and every pound you give helps them feel less alone.

Help us raise funds for state-of-the-art equipment and better facilities for their families. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts—for supporting Olive’s appeal, for supporting us, and most of all, for supporting little fighters like Charlie.

With love,

Emma, Alex & Charlie