Tash Hutchins from Forres is walking 660 miles and hosting a cake, coffee and craft fair to raise funds for premature babies charity Bliss
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A MOTHER-of-three is walking 660 miles over four months in aid of a charity for premature and sick babies.
Tash Hutchins from Forres hopes to raise £1200 for Bliss, inspired by the support she received after her twins Isabella and George were born two months prematurely.
She explained: "They were born in Raigmore's labour and delivery ward before being moved to the Special Baby Care Unit (SCBU).
"Initially, they were in incubators to keep their temperatures up and my partner and I weren't allowed to hold them for too long.
"They spent a total of 22 days in the SCBU. I spent the first two weeks there with them followed by a last night in the 'going home' room to make sure they breastfed correctly and that there were no other issues."
Bliss exists to give babies born premature or sick the best chance of survival and quality of life. It supports families, campaigns for change, supports professionals and enables research. Founded in 1979, Bliss has grown into the leading UK charity for the 90,000 babies born needing neonatal care in the UK every year.
Tash and her partner were assisted by neonatal nurses and pediatricians while they were at the SCBU.
"Both babies received ultrasounds," said Tash, "and I spoke with lactation consultants to ensure they were feeding correctly. The staff at Raigmore are amazing. They go above and beyond in the SCBU."
Tash is currently completing the 'Eye of Sauron', stage four of the five-stage walking challenge "from The Shire to Mordor" via a Conqueror app from January to April. The virtual route is split into five sections - for each 20 per cent completed, Conqueror plants a tree in the Amazon rainforest to combat deforestation.
See https://www.theconqueror.events/sauron/ for more information.
Tash said: "The challenge is done through an app that I have connected to my fitbit which records my steps. I aim to do around 5.5miles-a-day."
This Saturday (March 9) she is also organising a fundraising Cake, Coffee and Craft Fair at the Royal British Legion from 10am-2pm. There will also be tea, hot chocolate, diluting juice and biscuits - some vegan and gluten free. Raffle prizes have been donated by local businesses and attendees will also enjoy bottle and lucky dip stalls.
