In 2009 our son Edward was born at The Royal Surrey Hospital Guildford. He was three weeks early but classed full term, weighing a healthy 8lb 14oz. We were delighted to have a boy, a brother for his older sister.

However, within 24 hours it became apparent that Edward was seriously ill. He would not feed or rouse and hadn't been to the toilet since he was born. Xrays revealed a blockage to his bowels and his abdomen was now severly distended. He also had Ecoli sepsis (blood poisoning). We were told he was too ill to treat locally and that he was being transferred immediately to St Georges in Tooting and that we should prepare ourselves and understand that he may not survive. We were unable to travel with him in the neonatal ambulance when he was blue lighted up to London and saying goodbye to him at Guildford was the most heart wrenching experience I have ever had to deal with. Words cannot describe the anxiety and upset we felt.

We eventually found our way to St Georges and arrived on the Neonatal Unit to reunite with Edward. He was being stabalised by staff and we were taken to his side. The Neonatal Unit was incredibly surreal, so peaceful with only the sounds of the machines bleeping. Edward was so big amongst all the prem babies. The staff were fantastic, friendly and patient with us. They organised overnight accomodation on the ward for as long as we needed and explained what was happening every step of the way. Edward spent a couple of weeks in the unit before he was stable enough to be transferred back to Guildford. Edwards time at St Georges was the most challenging, upseting time of my life. I am eternally grateful for the staff and consultants and everyone that played a part in nursing our son and made each day slightly easier for us to deal with.

The memories of Edwards first few months will haunt me always and made such and impact on my life that it is now time for me to give something back to the unit to say thank you. Edward is now a healthy and very lively two year old who lights up our life everyday. As a personal challenge for myself and a way of raising money for First Touch Neonatal Unit at St Georges Hospital, I have taken up running, a sport that has never been close to my heart! I have actually found that I really enjoy it and I am now taking part in my first running event the Addidas 5K in Londons Hyde Park to raise money for the unit. I am grateful for any donations.

Lucy Marlow - Edward's mum

You can visit Lucy's Just Giving page here.