Last year was a very trying time for our family. Totally by accident, towards the end of our pregnancy, we've found that our baby is going to be born with two congenital heart diseases and will need surgeries to survive. We didn't find this out through NHS but through a 4D prenatal photo service @windowtothewomb (who went above and beyond for us when they spotted something was not right and I'll be forever grateful to them).

Baby Kiara was whisked away from us just 10 minutes after she was born and placed in neonatal intensive care unit. We then spent the next 2 months of Kiara's life in the hospital - although it felt much, much longer. We all agree it was by far the worst time in our lives, not knowing what will tomorrow bring and praying the worst won't happen. Somehow every day blending into one. All we wanted to do was to bring our baby home.

Kiara had her first open heart surgery at 9 days old. It was absolutely terrifying. Before they took her into the operating room, the surgeon told us to 'say goodbye to your baby' and somehow this little thing gave us a smile, like she was trying to let us know all will be well. The 7 hour wait for the surgery to complete felt like years. 

The second surgery was meant to take place 6 months later, when Kiara grows up a little and her heart gets bigger. Newborn baby's heart is the size of a strawberry. Sometimes I wish I didn't know all the things we've learnt through our crash course in neonatal cardiology but I guess that's just the card that we've been dealt. 

After the first successful surgery and after the recovery, the baby got better for a short while but then her health suddenly worsened. We couldn't wait a few months, she couldn't breathe. Surgeons had to operate on her tiny strawberry heart. The wait on the outcome of the second surgery was just as excruciating, some things you just can't get used to. Miraculously, this surgery also went well. Kiara was 26 days old.

I've never seen that many adults cry as I have while in PICU. The familiar area where our Bristol hospital is based felt like an alternate reality - and in a way it was, it was easier being oblivious to the nightmares the families face at that place. The surgeons, nurses and staff at the Bristol children's hospital were incredible and somehow made this experience somewhat less traumatic. Not all heroes wear capes, majority of them are in scrubs.

So... This year I've decided to run a 10k for the Grand Appeal - charity committed to saving the lives of sick children and supporting their families. We are one of the lucky ones. I know it isn't a massive distance but I am NOT a runner. If I ever shared a kindness or a good word* with you, please donate to this cause. The money will go directly to the charity and I will also be donating in support.

*And if I didn't, know that I don't like running (I want to sit on the sofa and eat chips at all times)

A little watch here.

The difference you will make

From the moment a child arrives at the hospital, The Grand Appeal is there. Their support workers offer comfort and advice;  give parents and siblings a free, private and comforting place to stay; provide daily music therapy sessions and arts and play activities; and fund the pioneering equipment and research that save lives. For over 20 years, they have provided 360-degree support to the 100,000 young patients it cares for each year and thanks to your support, they can make a real difference to every child who visits.