For Tommy and Heidi

My team, The Early Arrivals, is a special tribute to two very important little people in my life – Tommy and Heidi.

Both of my babies decided to make their arrival into the world a little earlier than expected. Born late preterm, they needed some extra help and a little time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before they were ready to head home.

Although their time in NICU was relatively short, it gave us a glimpse into just how important those early days are and how much of a difference the right care and support can make to a family.

We will always be grateful to the incredible team at St John of God Subiaco Hospital. The nurses, doctors and wider NICU team cared for our babies with such kindness, compassion and expertise. Even in a short time, they made an enormous difference to our experience, giving us reassurance, support and confidence during those first precious days.

To everyone who looked after Tommy and Heidi – thank you. We will never forget the care you gave our little ones or the support you gave us as parents. You will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Our experience, although brief, gave us a greater appreciation for the journey so many premature babies and their families face. For some, NICU is just the beginning of a much longer road, filled with uncertainty, challenges, tiny milestones and incredible strength. That’s why this November challenge means so much to me.

This November, I’m taking on the challenge of walking 142km – that’s an average of around 4.7km every day – to support the 71 babies born prematurely every single day in Australia.

Through this challenge, we’re hoping to raise vital funds to help provide essential neonatal equipment to hospitals across Australia, helping give our tiniest Australians the best possible start in life.

I’m taking on these kilometres in honour of Tommy and Heidi, in recognition of all the little fighters who arrive earlier than expected, and in support of the families navigating their own NICU journeys.

Because sometimes the smallest people leave the biggest impressions. ❤️