My Activity Tracking
207
kms
My target 200 kms
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 1.26kgs. 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 1.8kg.”
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/fundraisers/jamesduffell/premmie-marathon-challenge
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
Thank you to my Sponsors
$1.58k
Anonymous
$615
Sally-ann Taylor
I love you and I am very proud of the loving caring human being you have grown into. I appreciate that this is a very difficult challenge for you which makes it even more special. Love you Mumma
$527.50
Ajr
Great cause. Congratulations James.
$527.50
Generous Supporters
Your donation has been matched by Generous Supporters, DOUBLING your IMPACT for premature babies.
$515
David & Anita Taylor
With love from David, Anita, Claudia, Spencer, Harry and Tallulah
$347.10
Julie Van Der Helder
Go James 🤩
$263.75
David Clatworthy
Amazing effort James!!! Truly inspirational! Well done on supporting this great charity
$263.75
Generous Supporters
Your donation has been matched by Generous Supporters, DOUBLING your IMPACT for premature babies.
$263.75
Andy Carmichael
Great work mate
$263.75
Sean Lygo
$263.75
Generous Supporters
Your donation has been matched by Generous Supporters, DOUBLING your IMPACT for premature babies.
$263.75
Lisa George
Good luck James!
$211
Kate Wiggall
So so proud of you James 🤍
$211
Jo-ann Davey
A wonderful cause James, we will be thinking of you.x
$206.20
Chloe & Erik Barreto
So proud of you big bro! You’ve faced so many challenges in life, yet you’ve never let anything stand in the way of your success. You’re an inspiration to me and to all the future tiny fighters who will follow in your footsteps. We love you x
$197.29
Darryl Walters
I will be with you every step of the way
$197.29
Marco M.
Well done my friend! Amazing cause.
$197.29
Barnaby Matthews
Well done JD such a great cause. Good on you.
$197.29
Katie Evans
LETSSSSSSSSS GO JIMMYYYYYYY ❤️
$197.29
Judy Brien
Hope this is a small help Jimmy 😘
$106.12
Libby + Basher
Let’s go
$106.12
Generous Supporters
Your donation has been matched by Generous Supporters, DOUBLING your IMPACT for premature babies.
$106.12
Sonia Toland
Hello James I'm Sonia, Annie's mum. Happy to donate for such a worthwhile cause. Go well!!
$106.12
Emily Maxwell
What an incredible fundraiser. Wishing you all the best x
$106.12
War Lord
$106.12
Kelly Doust
Go Jimmy! X
$106.12
Travis Hale
Love you bro
$106.12
Morag
So proud of you JD !!!
$106.12
Bianca Abbott
Gotta be starting something 🤓
$106.12
Warwick Mancini
Well done mate. Will run swim run with you at NB if you want...
$106.12
Anonymous
Go James!
$106.12
Generous Supporters
Your donation has been matched by Generous Supporters, DOUBLING your IMPACT for premature babies.
$103.72
James Duffell
$100
Michael And Byron
Thank you for fundraising towards such an amazing cause
$64.67
Sholto Maconochie
Well done Jerry!
$64.67
Generous Supporters
Your donation has been matched by Generous Supporters, DOUBLING your IMPACT for premature babies.
$64.67
Danii
Go James!
$64.67
Jane Chandler
$64.67
Generous Supporters
Your donation has been matched by Generous Supporters, DOUBLING your IMPACT for premature babies.
$64.67
The Rydges
Good on you, Jimmy! X
$64.67
Emily W
Awesome Jimmy, you rock.
$64.67
Generous Supporters
Your donation has been matched by Generous Supporters, DOUBLING your IMPACT for premature babies.
$64.67
Linda North
$64.67
Ant Thomas
Go James! So proud of you with this and everything else you are doing for your community. Ant
$64.67
Christina And Smyllie Smyllie
Nice one 👌🎉
$64.67
Amie Colbert
$64.67
Robyn Packard
Good luck Jimmy D. What a great cause.
$54.12
Aria And Ava Louey-gung
$54.12
Brad Hughes
Happy to give you a lift in my car for the last 190km?
$54.12
Generous Supporters
Your donation has been matched by Generous Supporters, DOUBLING your IMPACT for premature babies.
$52.92
Skye Gowrie-smith
$45.65
Skye
Go Jimmy Go!
$45.65
Generous Supporters
Your donation has been matched by Generous Supporters, DOUBLING your IMPACT for premature babies.
$45.65
Steph & Jamie
Great cause James! Best of luck xxx Llve the Levy’s
$45.65
Dani Jacob
Giving a little baby a sun kiss x Well done James!
$22.58
Adam Halbert
Go JD
Our Team
James Duffell (C)
$10,049.58
Ian Duffell
$106.12
Annie Toland
$4,585.30
James Sidery
$2,687.27
Brock Roberts
$990.37
Lachlan Fellowes
$155.25
Jacinda Manettas
$2,961.84
Congratulations James to you and your team. Amazing. 💜