My Story

In 2022 I was lucky enough to run the London marathon for cancer research, and I thought that would be my last marathon for a long time. However, when I was lucky enough to be offered my running club place it felt like a sign and only right that I would accept the place and run to raise money for the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.

For those of you who don't know my story (where have you been?!) this is a quick recap not for you to feel sorry for me, but to understand the vital work this charity does and just how important it is to raise awareness of ectopic pregnancies.

Like many other women I unexpectedly found out that I was pregnant in June 2023. I had so many questions and emotion, but one questions I didn't have was could this be an ectopic and could I die? Very early on I was told that this probably wasn't a viable pregnancy and until they could be sure I would have to travel to London every 48 hours for a blood test for monitoring purposes. After 2 very long weeks it was confirmed that I had a tubal ectopic pregnancy, which sadly 1 in 80 women will also experience. Another 2 weeks of blood tests, scans and consultations passed, and I thought the end was in sight- how wrong was I? Four weeks after finding out I had an ectopic pregnancy; I was rushed into theatre with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and internal bleeding. When I woke in recovery, I was told that my right tube had to be removed and that there was no way to save it. From that moment on everything seemed a little bit different.

The days that followed remain a blur- grief, anger, confusion, guilt and sadness were the new normal. However, I sought comfort from those around me and now want to raise awareness. 1 in 80 really isn't that rare and it's time we change the narrative; this doesn't need to be a taboo subject anymore. Women and partners shouldn't have to go through this on their own.

The Ectopic Trust has been fantastic! Currently there isn't any counselling or support provided on the NHS after an ectopic pregnancy and information given in clinics are minimal and outdated- I was given a black and white printed article from online (perks on the NHS). However the ectopic charity is determined to change this, they provide group and individual counselling sessions, the chat forums are a great support and provide a platform to ask those silly questions you can't quite remember what your consultant said. They are helping to campaign in the house of Lords to change the bereavement law for loss before 24 weeks be covered in the bereavement leave legislation, but also that ectopic is communicated to help parents seek validation.  They receive no government funding and like many others until recently I didn't even know they existed. I will forever be grateful to the NHS for the care they gave me and quite literally patching me up, but I owe so much to the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust on the dark days they were always there and someone was always willing to listen.

I am running to raise money and awareness for the ectopic pregnancies and the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust. I hope they can continue to support women and families when the happiest moment turns into the scariest moments. Please donate what you can and help this amazing charity reach more people who need their help.