Every day in Australia, 71 babies are born prematurely.

As most of you know, Charlotte was born at 31 weeks gestation, and spent 38 days in NICU/SCN.

We didnt know anything about NICU, and wouldnt wish that experience upon anyone, but it will now always be a part of our story.

Without the care from both the SCUH and John Hunter Hospital NICUs, neither myself nor Charlotte may not be here today.

38 days of not having our baby at home, and most of this time not being allowed to hold her without a plethora of lines, monitors and machines, and only when the nurses said it was safe.

More tears than I can remember, from the first few nights being in HDU and the ward surrounded by crying babies when mine was in a completely different part of the hospital, to having to leave her night after night when we werent allowed to stay with her, and all the set backs in between. NICU is generally 1 step forward and 3 steps back.. day by day.. sometimes hour by hour..

During her stay she required breathing support, a central line and TPN to give her little stomach a break from NEC, 3 weeks in a humidicrib, then the rest of the time in a special cot. More bloods, lines, procedures and tests than most of us will have in their life times.

2 years of neonatologists, paediatricians, dieticians, ophthalmologists and physios. 

But today, almost 8 years later, we are healthy. We are strong. She showed me a love and strength i never knew I had. We are so incredibly lucky for the amazing NICUs and staff in this country, and without them we wouldnt be here.

Whilst NICU is now a distant memory, we will never forget how much it changed our lives. The running for premature babies is a small thing I can do to give back to a cause that did so much for us - including giving us the gift of our beautiful little girl who wouldn't be here without it! 

Every dollar counts, so please consider donating if you can! Thankyou🙏💜

This November, I'm taking on the Premmie Marathon Challenge to give these babies the best chance at life.

The funds I raise will help Running for Premature Babies provide life-saving neonatal equipment for hospitals around Australia, giving premature and critically ill babies the chance to grow stronger and go home with their families.

If you're able to support me, I'd be incredibly grateful. Every donation helps fund the equipment and research that gives premature babies a better chance of survival and quality of life.

Thank you for supporting my challenge and helping Australia's tiniest babies. 💜