Debs McCahon

“I am a middle-aged mother who took up running to improve my mental health. In my thirties, I experienced a number of miscarriages and I lost two babies. At the time I felt like it was my fault – that my body had failed me, my partner and to some extent our families. Children and grandchildren were wanted, were expected, but my body just didn’t deliver. I lost faith in what my body could do – running has helped restore that faith. Our bodies are amazing and are capable of amazing things with care, training and the right support. In training for the London Marathon, I have run nearly 600 miles – putting one foot in front of the other proudly wearing my MAMA Academy running top.

When I was experiencing miscarriages and baby loss I felt alone and isolated. I didn’t feel able to talk about it – it wasn’t what polite people shared.

I am now a mother of three children. I will never forget the ones that I have not had the pleasure of watching grow. Nor will I forget the lost feeling of seeing a still baby when I expected to see a black and white grainy image of a wriggly baby.

I will be forever grateful to the midwives, doctors and consultants who supported me on my journey to completing my family. I remember the rollercoaster of weekly scans, the fear and anxiety that would give way to relief and joy as a flickering heartbeat was found. For nearly 6 years of my life, the journey to parenthood was all-consuming – pregnancy, scans, loss, tests, pregnancy…..

It took more than a decade for me to be able to talk to people about baby loss. Fundraising for MAMA Academy has been really empowering, it has given me permission to speak out, to connect with others and let other women know that they are not alone. During my fundraising, I have heard so many moving stories from mums, grandparents, uncles and midwives. I have been stopped in the street by strangers to ask about the charity and my motivation to run. I have shed a tear or two, but I have chipped away at the taboo. We will never fully address baby loss if we can’t talk about it. Baby loss is a true bereavement and families should be supported to grieve.

But most importantly we need to do everything we can to support more babies to arrive safely – awareness, training and better support networks.”