Trent Yates

Running 50km for Maeve - and for all premature babies

In February 2026, I’ll be lining up for the Tarawera 50km Ultra in New Zealand, the toughest physical challenge I’ve ever taken on. But it’s nothing compared to what premature babies go through in their first days-weeks-months of life. Through this journey, I’m proud to be fundraising for Running for Premature Babies to help give those tiny fighters the care and support they need to survive.

This cause is deeply personal.

Our daughter Maeve was born at just 27 weeks gestation. At 22 weeks, my partner Kim experienced Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM), a serious complication that put both her and Maeve at significant risk. The outlook was uncertain. We were presented with the statistics and faced with a devastating decision: to either terminate the pregnancy or continue on, fully aware of the risks and possible outcomes. While we were never going to give up, simply being in a position where that was even a consideration was truly frightening.

But Maeve held on.

Each additional week she stayed in the womb, her odds improved. The doctors updated us constantly - each new gestational milestone came with revised statistics: reduced risk of brain bleeds, better lung development, lower chances of long-term disability. Every single day made a difference.

Maeve was born at 27 weeks and spent 60 days in the NICU at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, before being transferred to Redcliffe Hospital to continue her care.

Kim and I were - and still are - unbelievably thankful for the amazing team in the NICU at the Royal Brisbane. The doctors and nurses were simply brilliant. Their skill, compassion, and dedication carried us through the hardest days of our lives. We will be forever grateful.

Maeve is now 3 years old and you would never know what she had to overcome. This run is for her. It’s also for the many babies and families still facing that journey.

The work done by Running for Premature Babies helps fund the lifesaving neonatal equipment, research, and care that gives premature babies a fighting chance.

If you’re able to donate, share, or support in any way, it would mean the world.

Thank you so much for your support!

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.