In 2016 me and my husband, Nick, were supported by ARC when our daughter Imogen died. She was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that was “incompatible with life”, and we made the difficult and heartbreaking choice to have a TFMR at 21 weeks. The world stopped being a place I recognised, and I didn’t know who to talk to or how to process the anger and hurt I was feeling. One of the midwives at the hospital signposted me to ARC and effectively saved my life. I spoke to people who understood and were able to provide an empathetic ear; they made sure I had the help I needed available or that I knew where to access it. They made me realise that I wasn’t the worst person alive because I made the choice to end my pregnancy. I can’t thank you all enough for everything.

Eight years later, in April 2024, I was mum to two beautiful, healthy children who were now both in school. I really wanted to do something to raise money and awareness for the work that ARC do, but couldn’t think of anything big or meaningful enough. I wanted to do something that would make a big impact. When I saw the coverage of the London marathon three days before Imogen’s birthday, a lightbulb went on in my mind. I emailed ARC to ask if they’d consider having me as part of their team. When they accepted, I threw myself into training and fundraising. Whenever the training felt a bit much or I picked up an injury, or it was chucking it down when I had a long run scheduled, I remembered my reasons why. I remembered that I was doing this for Imogen. I remembered that the money I could raise would help so many families going through the same as we did. I remembered that I could make a difference.

When I crossed the finish line on 27^th April 2025, I felt so many things. I was so proud of what I’d achieved, I was exhausted and in pain, I was elated (still am to be honest) that I’d exceeded my fundraising target. Mostly, I was hopeful that the money and awareness I’d raised over the last year would help others the way ARC helped us nine years before. Running the marathon for ARC was a dream come true. I hope that one day in the future I’ll be lucky enough to be part of the team again.