My Story
How these charities helped me get through the most difficult time in my life:​
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Ronald McDonald
At a time, when your baby has been taken in to Neonatal care, the most difficult part of it can be being away from them. Ronald McDonald gave us the opportunity to stay local to the hospital so that we could be with Isabella. If it wasn't for Ronald McDonald, we wouldn't have been able to be with Isabella in her last final moments. For that we thank you. ​​
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The Early Birth Association
EBA work closely with the Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) to support families by providing the vital equipment needed to help saves lives. This includes a range of items such as a Transport Resuscitaire, incubators, cooling mats, and breast pumps. Without the support from EBA, parents of neonates and hospital staff would be lost. Thank you EBA, we truly appreciate all you continue to do.
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Bliss
The volunteers at Bliss give up their own time to be with parents and families who's babies are in neonatal care. The support we received from Bliss volunteers meant we didn't feel alone. All the feelings and mixed emotions felt very normal and common once speaking with Bliss. Thank you for your support during a strange and confusing time.
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CLAPA
​Isabella's condition meant that she was born with a rare type of cleft lip. The CLAPA specialist worked with us to help us understand her condition, what we could expect and how they could help. The support we received from CLAPA meant that we felt reassured that she could get the help she needed for her entire life. Thank you CLAPA, you allowed us to see a positive future for ​Isabella.
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The British Heat Foundation
Isabella had a heart condition known as AVSD (Atrioventricular Septal Defect). Despite not surviving the surgery that she needed, BHF supported us throughout her heart journey. From helping us understand the condition, to giving us the hope of a prosperous and active life. ​Thank you BHF, you gave us hope. ​
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Goldenhar UK
​Through the amazing support received by Goldenhar UK, we gained knowledge and understanding about Isabella's condition. Thank you for giving us the knowledge and insight needed to be able to support Isabella. ​
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The Evelina Hospital
​Evelina London Children's Hospital is a specialist NHS hospital in London. This is where Isabella spent her final few days/hours of her life. We can't thank the entire team at The Evelina Hospital enough, for their support, knowledge and talent at giving Isabella a fighting chance. You gave us the most important thing - time with our daughter. Thank you.​
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4Louis
One of the most heart breaking things about losing a child, is that you'll never get to see them again. After Isabella passed away, the staff at the hospital were able to put together a memory box which included clay and ink prints of our daughters hands and feet which had been provided by 4Louis. This memory box has given us a part Isabella to cherish forever. Thank you 4Louis, you have helped us to continue the memory of Isabella.​
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Samaritans
Most of us have heard of Samaritans but not all of us have had to ever use them. At a time when I was in the darkest of places, Samaritans were there for me. I am a survivor of a suicide attempt and without their help, I might not be here today. Thank you for being that beacon of light and hope.​​
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Sands
​Sands works to support anyone affected by the death of a baby; improve the care bereaved parents receive; and create a world where fewer babies die. Sands, you have been a lifeline for us when we didn't know where to turn. You gave us the outlet to feel, to speak and to be heard. Thank you for being there when we needed you. ​​
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The Challenge
The aim will be to complete all 10 marathons in 10 consecutive days, wearing a 10kg vest. 9 of these marathons will be self-organised and the final leg will take place at The London Marathon. Each Marathon will be dedicated to a specific charity with the aim to distribute all the donations evenly across all 10 charities.
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The Route
Marathon 1
Lewes, East Sussex
Friday 18th April 2025
Marathon 2
Brighton, West Sussex
Saturday 19th April 2025
Marathon 3
Crawley, West Sussex
Sunday 20th April 2025
Marathon 4
Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Monday 21st April 2025
Marathon 5
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Marathon 6
Tonbridge, Kent
Wednesday 23rd April 2025
Marathon 7
Hastings, East Sussex
Thursday 24th April 2025
Marathon 9
Seaford East Sussex
Saturday 26th April 2025
Marathon 8
Eastbourne, East Sussex
Friday 25th April 2025
Marathon 10
London (The London Marathon)
Sunday 27th April 2025