London Marathon 2023

Jack and Isabella, the twins pictured on the right, are just two of the 100,000 babies that are treated every year in neonatal units around the UK. Our amazing London Marathon runners Lewis, Matt, Mike, Barry, Leon and Ellen help us by raising funds for the Intensive Care equipment that keeps these babies alive. As you can see, Jack and Isabella are now happy and healthy almost 6-year-olds. 

Leon and Ellen - pictured here at hospital with their baby - were running for their little boy Albie who was born very prematurely, at 29 weeks and 6 days. They explain why they’re raising funds so that others can benefit as well: “We were surprised to see loads of equipment in both hospitals paid for by Ickle Pickles: basic (though expensive!) equipment needed for the care of premature babies, like incubators, but also lots of things to make parents' lives slightly easier, like armchairs to give him his first cuddles, and a kitchen where we could eat meals in between caring for him. We are so grateful to all the nurses and doctors who cared for Albie when he was so vulnerable.”

Our runner Lewis was inspired by his son Arlo who was born at 25 weeks, 15 weeks before his due date, and his incredible journey through neonatal care. 

Barry has run for a whole bunch of wonderful kids including Marlow, Poppy and Lacey - born 9 weeks premature, Phoebe (his niece) - born 7 weeks premature and Archie, Logan and Harry - born 5 weeks premature. He said: “It's knowing children like these had the start they needed because of charities like Ickle Pickles.” 

Altogether, Leon & Ellen, Barry, Matt, Mike and Lewis have raised an amazing £12,500 which will help to buy vital equipment at various neonatal units including Southampton Hospital, Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, Frimley Park Hospital and Chichester Hospital. 

With your help, all precious Ickle Pickles can become whatever they want to be. Get in touch if you are a runner, baker or quiz master or would like to become a NeoHero for your local neonatal unit. 

Email [email protected] to make a big difference to small babies.

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