Turning Pain into Purpose, Michaela's Challenge for Jarlath

I’m taking on a 26.2 mile walk on Sunday 31st May to raise money for TinyLife, a charity that supports families of premature and vulnerable babies.

This is deeply personal to me. Our son Jarlath, was born early. Nothing prepares you for that moment the fear, the uncertainty, and the feeling of helplessness as you watch your baby fight from the very beginning.

During the 61 days Jarlath spent in hospital, I spent hours walking around Craigavon Lakes. It became my way of coping, clearing my head, and finding strength on some of the hardest days of our lives.

Now, I’m returning to that same place but with purpose.

I will be walking a Marathon around the lakes.
This walk is for our darling Jarlath.
This walk is for every family going through the fear and uncertainty of premature birth.
And this walk is to give something back to the people and support systems that help families like ours get through the aftermath of a premature birth.

The support we received from Tinylife meant everything to us, and I want to help make sure other families feel that same support when they need it most.