Ellie’s 100-mile challenge for the Miscarriage Association after triple heartbreak

Ellie Shaw, 26, will be running 100 miles over 100 days – and she has completed more than half of the challenge already.

Ellie, who works in children’s mental health services, said: “I have decided to raise money for the Miscarriage Association is because of personal experience.

“Me and my partner have been trying for a baby for 18 months. We naively thought it would happen quickly and without any problems but sadly that hasn’t been the case.

“We’ve had three miscarriages – one of them being in lockdown – and this charity has been a real lifeline in supporting us through the losses.

“It’s not until we’ve experienced this heartbreak and talked to other people about it that we’ve realised how common it is, but it’s not widely spoken about which is why I want to raise awareness.

“The Miscarriage Association provides information and support to anyone affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy, raise awareness about miscarriage and promote good practice in medical care.

“They offer support in various forms, from Zoom meetings, online seminars and telephone lines, and they also have a really good website full of information to help you make sense of what has happened.

“I have used lots of the support they offer which has definitely helped and made this journey just that little bit easier.”

Ellie added: “The reason I am doing 100 miles in 100 days is because the Miscarriage Association are doing the ‘Miles That Matter’ campaign, staring back in July, where it marks the 100 days prior to ‘Baby Loss Awareness Week’, which is between October 9 and October 15.

“This is a poignant week for me as it also marks a year since we lost our first baby, which has motivated me even more to take part in this challenge.

“My partner and I have started the process of fertility testing, so the running is giving me a good focus at a time where there’s still lots of uncertainty for us.”

When Ellie began the challenge she hoped to raise £100, but she has already managed to triple her original target – and she now hopes to raise £500.

• Visit Ellie’s fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ellie-shaw3 for updates, and to make an online donation.