We were pleased to hear from local resident Kerry Robinson who is organising a charity event for baby charity Bliss.  Bliss plan to hold a Sponsored Buggy Push in various locations across the country and Kerry is keen to make the Bradley Stoke event as big as possible!

Bliss works to provide the best possible care and support for all premature and sick babies and their families.  One in every 9 babies in the UK is born either premature or sick – which is  over 80,000 babies every year, with one being admitted to special care every six minutes! The vital care that babies receive after birth can have a profound impact on the rest of their lives. For families struggling to cope, it is one of the most difficult, emotional and stressful times of their lives.  Bliss provides advice and support over the phone, through their messageboard and network of local councillors and locally-based groups.

This is a charity close to Kerry’s own heart as her own daughter was born premature.  Kerry shares her story with us:

“Amber was born on June 27th 2011, 6 weeks early.  Due to my waters leaking at 32 weeks, I was given steroids to mature her lungs as doctors thought she could come at anytime.  Luckily she didn’t and I was induced at 34 weeks to reduce the risk of infection.

“Amber weighed 5lb 4oz and taken straight to nicu at southmead and put on cpap to help with her breathing, and under ultra violet lights as she was badly jaundiced. Amber came home a few weeks later and has done really well,  She is now a very happy and healthy 10 month old.

“I never expected to be in the position of having a premature baby, especially as I had a full term son previously.  It was an emotional rollercoaster and everyday I feel so very lucky that Amber has done so well.  Its not until you are in the position of being in nicu that you realise how many people go through that hard time and that’s where Bliss is so important.”

Join Kerry and make the Stokes’ Buggy Push HUGE and help raise as much as possible for this worthy charity!  The event takes place at 10am on 23rd June from the Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre and is a 5km sponsored walk around the Three Brooks Nature Reserve.

To register, or for more information, please email kerryrobinson@hotmail.co.uk or search for the event on facebook – ‘bliss buggy push fundraiser bristol’, or visit the Bliss website www.bliss.org.uk/action/buggypush