This year, we've created this space for you to read the stories and experiences of LLHM 2023 Team Tommy's members. This space is yours, and if you'd be happy to share your story with us (even just a couple of lines), please do let us know. We'd love to be able to share as many of your reasons for running as we can.
Ranj and Jiress experienced 2 miscarriages before their 3rd pregnancy with their baby boy Rhian Maahi Bhudia. Although everything had been progressing well with their 3rd pregnancy, sadly Rhian was born sleeping at 27 weeks. Ranj and Jiress are running the LLHM in memory of Rhian, and together have already raised over £3000 to support the work that Tommy’s does.
"I decided to run for Tommy's as I wanted to raise money and awareness for such a wonderful charity. Although personally I have not needed to use Tommy's, I know people who have and I feel that it is such vital work in supporting families and families to be."
In April 2023, Sasha will be taking on the challenge of running the London Landmarks Half Marathon, in memory of her first-born daughter Lola. After learning that Lola had a terminal illness and there was nothing they could do to save her, Sasha and her husband had to leave the hospital without their little girl. This is Lola’s story.
"Me and my husband were very fortunate to have 2 boys already without any complications and when trying for our 3rd I had a ruptured ectopic which ended in me fighting for my life and losing my right tube. I then went on to have 4 early miscarriages. We felt at a loss after having lots of tests done, all coming back normal."
Natalie and Sarah have been through 5 rounds of IVF in which time they’ve had 2 failed attempts, 1 miscarriage, a beautiful baby boy, 1 sunset baby and a beautiful baby girl. They’re both running the LLHM 2023 in memory of their sunset baby, and to help raise awareness for Tommy’s.
"Aside from the obvious in that you are a fantastic charity doing incredible work, my main reason for running is due to a couple of our friends. Both have been through loss. A loss that I cannot even begin to comprehend, let alone empathise with. But their strength, courage and bravery in the face of this loss has been nothing short of inspiring. Both have been open, and vociferous in wanting to break the silence, and create a positive legacy for the babies that they so sadly lost. I guess by running I feel this can maybe help them do this in some small way, and show them that what they have done has made a difference, and ultimately show solidarity.
I will be running in their honour and frankly feel proud to do so."
Jamie Thorpe
Karen and her husband have had 4 pregnancies, all of them have sadly ended in miscarriage. Karen is taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2023 for Tommy’s, as she has found some comfort in reading the stories of others who, like her, have been trying to make sense of what has happened to them.
"On the 14th of February 2023 my beautiful Niece Mavi-Mae was born 17 weeks early due to my sister's placenta erupting. Mavi-Mae was with us for 8 days and I promised her I’d run/walk a 1000 miles in her name and a promise is a promise."
Charlotte Ryan
After experiencing 2 miscarriages, Rubie and Ben sought the support of 3 Tommy’s clinics. After months of research and investigation, as well as the support of Tommy’s professors and midwives, Rubie and Ben welcomed their double rainbow baby.
Grandad Shaun was our top fundraiser for Tommy’s in the LLHM 2023. Shaun's son Tom and daughter-in-law Katie were delighted when they found out they were pregnant with a baby girl. However, after a traumatic birth and multiple unexpected complications, baby Lottie Jane sadly passed away. She was less than a day old. The family were heartbroken and unsure where to look for help or advice.
Claire will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Tommy’s on Sunday 2 April 2023, the day that she and her husband, David, should have welcomed their baby into the world. Claire and David have had more than 10 losses – but with the help of Tommy’s research trials, Claire and David are hoping for their rainbow baby. This is Claire’s reason for running.
“It wasn’t until we talked about it with our own family and friends that we realised just how many families have been affected by the issues that Tommy’s works so hard to research and work with. In our own family we know of at least three generations who have been affected by miscarriage, so we want to do anything we can to help.”
Guy, 62, decided to run the LLHM 2023 for Tommy’s with his wife Lorraine after recovering from brain surgery. Guy underwent a five-hour operation to remove a benign brain tumour at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth on February 3, his second such operation in the last eight years.
Zoe and Dan welcomed their first baby, Elsie, into the world in 2019 following a healthy pregnancy. Nothing could prepare them for the heartbreak of baby loss during the pandemic, and the rollercoaster of emotion that followed during their next pregnancy. Thankfully, Zoe and Dan’s rainbow baby, Ezra, was born in 2021. Now, Zoe is running the LLHM 2023 to raise money and awareness for Tommy’s.
