Project 120.

Why Project 120 I hear you ask? Simple. It is 120 miles from the A&E department in Derriford Hospital in Plymouth to Bristol Children's Hospital. 

My niece Bonnie was born on 3rd January 2020. Since her birth she suffered numerous seizures, starting as grey episodes, progressing to full convulsions - despite raising her concerns numerous times, my sister was told they were just normal or reflux.... it wasn’t! On 26th January 2020 she suffered a pulmonary haemorrhage, blood bubbled from her mouth and she struggled to breath. She was rushed to the Resus department of A&E at Derriford Hospital where doctors fought to save her life, she was 23 days old. Hours later a specialist, brought down from Bristol Children’s Hospital, who sat my sister and brother in law down and very calmly broke the news that she may not survive the trip up to Bristol and that they should "prepare for the worst".

It is 120 miles from A&E in Derriford Hospital Plymouth, to Bristol Children's Hospital and those 120 miles my sister sat in the ambulance with her. They made one emergency stop on the way, for the specialists to save her life. 

Bonnie spent 1 week in PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) and a further 10 days in Caterpillar Ward; the high dependency respiratory ward. I cannot imagine how hard all this was for my sister. The trauma from it led to severe PTSD, and frequent panic attacks- but both are now in a better place- Bonnie is a healthy little girl and after 10 1/2 month of therapy my sister has been discharged.

My sister, Kirsten has started Project 120 and is planning to run or walk 120 miles, the same distance the ambulance covered on the way to Bristol children’s hospital. Just as I was there to support her in Bristol I’ve promised to do this journey with her too....My 4 year old daughter, Pippa has also decided to join me and is running for 12.0km (in small bite size chunks) to help the “Hostible that helped baby Bonnie”.

I am not an athlete- my running days were a long time ago. Since then I’ve had a breakdown, two children and my own battle with post natal depression... so this won’t be a walk in the park for me.
Pippa has just turned 4 so only has little legs- but between us we hope to raise lots of money for Bristol Children’s hospital.

All the money raised will go to Bristol Children’s hospital to support more babies like Bonnie, and save more lives.

Bonnie on the PICU ward

Bonnie with her eyes open after 4 days on PICU

Bonnie on the high dependency respiratory ward and able to have more visitors. Pippa meeting Bonnie for the first time

Out for walks in the park with Pippa - still on lots of medication

A healthy Bonnie meeting her youngest cousin- my son Calvin.