Couch to Half Marathon!

On Sunday 22nd March, I will be running the Richmond Half Marathon to raise money for the Little Roo Neonatal Fund in memory of my little Step-Niece Ruby.

As some of you will already know, sadly Ruby passed away last June at just three days old. Despite Ruby's Mummy having a very textbook pregnancy and labour, during the final stages of labour Ruby did not receive oxygen and therefore after resuscitation, she was left with a brain injury called HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy). Ruby was later transferred to Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey where she was very closely monitored in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) where she spent the next 2.5 days. The Little Roo Neonatal Fund at St Peter's provides care for sick and premature babies requiring intensive care. Without the support from fundraising and donations they would not be able to continue the amazing work they do.

Whilst no parent should ever have to go through this, the care and support given by the nurses and team at the hospital was out of this world. Ruby's Mummy and Daddy were able to change her nappy, dress her, read her stories and sing to her and make treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

Ruby's Mummy and Daddy have been working tirelessly over the past eight months to share their story and raise awareness and funds including getting Covent Garden lit up in pink and blue during Baby loss awareness week, hosting a pub quiz with over 100 participants and most recently Ruby's Daddy, Uncle and friend are embarking on a mammoth bike ride ("Ride4Ruby") to Paris to in memory of Ruby. Ruby and her parents, through what has become to be known as '#therubyeffect', have helped to shine a light on such an important issue and share their experience with other families who have experienced the unimaginable tragedy of losing a baby.

I would be very grateful for any donation big or small towards this great cause and will be providing updates as I continue to train for the big 21(ish)km!! This may only be a 'half' marathon but coming from someone who could barely run for the bus two years ago, this is a huge challenge! Any runners out there, please send your tips and suggestions my way!

All contributions donated on this page will be donated towards the overall fundraising target of £7,000 which Ruby's parents are aiming to raise through Ride4Ruby. You can follow their progress here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=Ride4Ruby2020&pageUrl=1 and like them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Ride4ruby-105902754220961/about/?ref=page_internal.

Lots of love to you all!

Zoë