James Duffell

Why I’m Running 200km This November for Premature Babies

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, and for the third year in a row, I’m taking on the Premmie Marathon Challenge: running 200km throughout November to raise funds for life-saving neonatal equipment in hospitals across Australia.

These funds go directly towards giving premature and critically ill babies a better chance of survival and a stronger start in life. It’s a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart, because I was once one of those tiny, fragile babies fighting for life in a neonatal unit.

My Story

I was born at just 28 weeks, weighing 1.260kgs. I spent my first three months of life in an incubator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at West London Hospital, battling through complications that included surgery, viral meningitis, and a colostomy as a newborn.

I live today with mild cerebral palsy affecting my hands and legs, but otherwise, I’ve been incredibly lucky. Lucky to have had the care, technology, and people around me who gave me a chance to survive and thrive.

When I was a baby, that care didn’t come easily. My mum, Sally, tells the story far more vividly than I can: of the fear, the heartbreak, and ultimately, the miracle of survival. Here’s a glimpse into those early days, in her own words:

“I was expecting twins, but developed severe pre-eclampsia at 27 weeks. Doctors managed to delay labour until I reached 28 weeks which was the point at which the babies could be treated in the special care ward. James was born first, weighing just 2.78 lbs, and his twin brother followed moments later. Both were placed in incubators and doing remarkably well until a virus swept through the ward. Tragically, we lost our second twin during surgery. James also required emergency surgery, developed meningitis, and fought through what felt like endless procedures before finally coming home around his due date on 25 October, 1981 weighing just 4 lbs.”

Reading those words now, it’s hard to imagine what my parents went through, or how close I came to not being here at all.

Why This Challenge Matters

Every year, 30,000 babies in Australia are born prematurely, some as early as 23 weeks. The equipment and care available in NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) can make the difference between life and death, and between lifelong disability and a full, healthy future.

That’s why this challenge matters. The funds raised help purchase advanced neonatal equipment: things like incubators, monitors, and ventilators, so that every premature baby has the best possible start.

My Goal (and My Reality)

I’m not a natural runner. Far from it. Running 7km every day for a month feels… ambitious. But compared to what premature babies go through in their first few weeks, it feels like the least I can do.

If my story, and my slightly wobbly running stride, can inspire even a few donations, then every kilometre will be worth it. This year, I'm fortunate to have my incredibly supportive team at Macquarie Private Bank running & biking alongside me which makes it all the more achievable. 

How You Can Help

If you’d like to support my journey (and help me keep moving when the legs start protesting), please consider donating to my fundraising page. Every contribution - big or small - helps more premature babies survive and thrive.

https://www.runningforprematurebabies.com/st/1520/e

Thank you for reading my story, for supporting this cause, and for giving hope to tiny fighters who deserve their own chance at life.

Here’s to every kilometre, every blister, and every baby’s heartbeat that makes it all worthwhile. 

- James Duffell