35-year-old Sarah, from Hall Green, Birmingham, is hoping to raise £1,000 for the appeal for the support she was given following the birth to her two boys, especially her 2-year-old son who was born three months early and spent months in the neo-natal and transition wards.

Sarah explains: “Both of my boys were born premature but my youngest was born three months early at just 2lbs 10oz and needed 24 hour care on the neo-natal ward for the following few months. I was with him at the start but was discharged from the ward in the later stages so could only visit during the day but the staff were amazing, so supportive.

“I would phone at all hours in the night to check up on him and they would be happy to talk to me on every occasion. Throughout the ordeal my son didn’t get a single infection or problem, which I realise, was really lucky as others around him unfortunately suffered complications.”

After months on the neo-natal ward, Sarah’s son was transferred to the Transition Ward where mother and baby could be reunited and cared for up to a weight of 4lbs in order to be discharged and ready to take home. Sarah now has two healthy young boys and is hoping to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

Sarah had never run prior to the birth of her two boys, but after joining the Kingsheath Running Club with a friend is now determined to complete the half-marathon. Having run 10Ks and with another half marathon three weeks before the Great Birmingham Run, Sarah is in full training, running with the club in their half marathon training as well as doing her own runs.