My Story

In April, I’m lacing up my running shoes and taking on the London Marathon in support of CMV Action – a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart.

On New Year’s Day 2024, Jess and I faced a heartbreaking moment when we gave birth to our baby boy Noah, at 27 weeks. He lost his life to CMV (Cytomegalovirus). The virus caused severe complications, leaving Noah with no chance at the healthy, happy life we had dreamed of. We had to say goodbye far too soon.

CMV is a common virus, yet like us, most people haven’t heard of it, it can infect people of all ages. Most healthy adults and children who become infected will have no signs or symptoms and no long term effects from CMV.  However, CMV can pose serious problems to unborn babies if a woman catches it during pregnancy. In fact congenital CMV (when the infection is passed from mother to baby across the placenta) is one of the most common non-genetic cause of inner ear hearing loss and a major cause of childhood disability.  

CMV Action are working to help to raise awareness, offer support to families affected, and push for improved testing, treatment, and research. More information can be found here: https://cmvaction.org.uk/

I’m running these 26 miles in memory of Noah, to raise awareness and to help CMV Action continue their work to prevent more families from experiencing this heartbreak.

My goal is to raise £2,500 for CMV Action. If you’re able to donate, even just the cost of a coffee or a takeaway, it would mean so much and help Jess and I find something meaningful in this experience.

Thank you so much for your support.