Leigh mum Davina to run 1,000km for Southend Hospital

Davina Mackenzie, from Leigh, is raising money for the fetal medicine unit at Southend Hospital after their support when she gave birth following a series of miscarriages.

The 39-year-old’s daughter, Seraphina, was stillborn in 2016 before she suffered three further miscarriages.

Davina found pregnancy frightening, but thanks to the team at Southend Hospital she gave birth to her son, Blake in 2018.

Babies born after a loss are known as rainbow babies because of the hope they bring after a dark time.

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• She said: “Pregnancy after loss is incredibly hard emotionally, and they were there the whole way through.

“They went above and beyond to do everything they could to help me emotionally and bring my son home safely.

“The incredible team were able to guide me through those tough months with so much care and understanding.

“My debt to them is enormous. I was offered so many reassurance scans and checks to help me through. I was never turned away on any of my frequent wobbles.

“I can never thank them enough for what they did for me. I’d love them to be able to continue to offer this to other families navigating pregnancy after loss.”

To show her gratitude, Davina has been running the 1,000 kilometres over the last year, and has just 20 kilometres left.

However, the daunting challenge has been no easy feat, experiencing setbacks including four stitches in her knee and snow along the way. She will be completing her running mission this Sunday along Southend Seafront.

Davina said: “The challenge has been very emotional. I’ve smiled my way through the distance, but at times with a lump in my throat, as I think of what I’ve achieved both personally and through the fundraising.

“I hope that the money raised from my running will make a difference to others experiencing their own pregnancy challenges.”

Mandeep Singh, medical director and consultant in fetal medicine at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, was one of the team who helped care for Davina.

He said: “We can’t thank Davina enough for her inspirational fundraising efforts.

“We’ll use this money to help and support other mothers who have unfortunately experienced similar losses. It will allow us to continue to support parents and provide reassurance, making a positive difference at a hugely difficult time.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/davina-mackenzie1 to donate and to support Davina as she completes her challenge.