Bex's London Marathon 2026

Where to begin, as this isn't the easiest story to write...

Back in June 2024, I got a BALLOT PLACE into the London Marathon! Couldn't believe it - I had entered on a whim, hoped to not get in and I got a place. I was heavily pregnant at the time and pregnancy was a rollercoaster, with many scans suggesting things could be tricky but nothing was diagnosed and I went on to have a low risk birth.

On September 5th, our gorgeous Jack completed our family. We had 2 hours of wonderful cuddles in our newborn bubble feeling relieved that he was with us, and that maybe we had got away with any risky outcomes as all seemed to be ok.

Things quickly changed and Jack was moved to NICU. As the days unfolded, we were seen by numerous medics and Jack was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, as well as a rare genetic condition. The former was the most important to deal with and at just 6 days old, he was transferred to Southampton Hospital to their NICU, in preparation for heart surgery.

The night before his op, we were moved to Southampton Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. I was nervous about heading there but we had to go. The welcome we had and the attentiveness from the staff immediately made us feel comfortable and supported in the most terrifying of times. Jack spent 8 hours underdoing open heart surgery at just 11 days old. Afterwards, he was cared for on PICU for 4 days before being moved to a ward. However, that night, we had the dreaded phone call informing us that Jack had taken a turn and had become unwell. He needed to go back to intensive care and was to be put on a ventilator to let his body recover. He spent a total of 16 days on PICU.

The ward and staff were amazing. Their knowledge and expertise to support babies, children and their families in such a critical state was just beyond anything I could have imagined. It is a place that you do not wish anyone to ever have to visit; surrounded by children who are critically unwell, on ventilators with machines beeping and medics often running. But there we were, part of it.

Friends of PICU is the charity whom support the ward. They fund some of their medical equipment, support for families, a lounge to go to decompress, food and drink, a space for breastfeeding mothers, and a hug whenever needed. They also fund retrieval ambulances to collect poorly patients with expert doctors and nurses on board. Without the support of fundraising, they wouldn't be able to provide such vital support to the ward. Kerry, the charity manager, was a warm, friendly face to us as a family. She provided us with all sorts of basics that we needed - from drinks to toiletries, water bottles and crayons for the children. They also have a family liaison nurse who was a huge support to me. She was able to translate some of the medical terminology and was a listening ear, whilst explaining some of the decisions being made.

We were so grateful for their support and leaving such a reassuring environment was difficult. When Jack was ready, we were moved to a ward and after 5 long weeks, we finally came home.

But the journey didn't end. Jack had multiple medical appointments, two hospital admissions locally, and we had to look after him in a way we hadn't had to look after a newborn before.

That's where Home Start Wessex came in - and in particular the wonderful Silvia. They are charity that provide support for local families who are having difficulties for a variety of reasons.

We were matched with Silvia and she was (and is!) just wonderful. She came to our house for a few hours a week, for almost 10 months. She went above and beyond to support our family: attended medical appointments with Jack, Poppy and I in both Poole and Southampton; helped me to set up medical equipment at home; advised me on Jack's health; helped me at home and gave me time to play with Poppy, whilst Theo was at school. Towards the end of her time with us, we were able to take all 3 children to the park or out locally and I could solely focus on Theo and Poppy as she was able to support Jack. It is safe to say she is now a friend, and an important part of our family! As I said to Silvia when she 'left' (and as Poppy cried!), PICU saved Jack, Home Start Wessex helped me.

I don't think anymore needs to be said - this is why I am raising money for two amazing charities that are SO close to mine and Jason's hearts.

Yes I enjoy running - but not 26.2 miles! So if you can are able to donate, I would be so grateful. As a family with 3 small children, we are already exceptionally busy - so adding in marathon training is going to be tough physically and mentally.

Thanks for supporting me on my biggest ever challenge! And special thanks to my running buddies, who I know will help carry me through the dark, cold and tough runs, as well as Jason for supporting me and enabling me to train for this!