Marathons for Miracles

Olly is joined by Edwina, who will be leading the 11th marathon; the Lancashire leg of the challenge this Sunday 8th March, alongside a small & mighty team.Edwina shares her experience of pregnancy loss — from an early miscarriage in 2021 to a later loss following weeks of uncertainty during a pregnancy of unknown location. She also reflects on the premature birth of her son at 31 weeks during the COVID pandemic, and the emotional complexity of navigating loss while raising a young child.They discuss the difficult decision to stop trying to conceive after multiple medical emergencies, the pressure many couples feel to keep going, and why choosing to stop can sometimes be the hardest step of all. Edwina also talks about finding support through communities like The Worst Girl Gang Ever and how running became a crucial outlet for processing grief.They look ahead to the Lancashire marathon route, running along the coast near Morecambe before finishing at Lancaster Castle.👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.comAll episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

In episode nine of Marathons for Miracles, Olly is joined by Jenny, who will be leading the Derbyshire leg through the Peak District this Saturday, 28th February.Jenny shares the heart-breaking story of losing her first baby last year after a 12-week scan led to a termination for medical reasons (TFMR). She speaks candidly about the shock of that diagnosis, the painful limbo that followed, and the complexity of being given a “choice” when none of the options truly feel like one.They discuss the emotional aftermath, ongoing investigations without clear answers, the support of charities including Tommy’s, and how running and community have helped her navigate grief.The episode also looks ahead to a scenic (and hilly) Derbyshire trail marathon with friends, running club support — and hopefully a Bakewell tart or two.👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.comAll episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

In this episode of Marathons for Miracles, Olly is joined by Tom ahead of the upcoming marathon in Durham.Tom shares his personal experience of miscarriage and the emotional complexity of navigating pregnancy after loss. Together, they discuss the physical and psychological challenges of parenthood, societal perceptions around miscarriage, and why more open conversations are essential. They also reflect on the role statistics play in understanding pregnancy risk — and how numbers rarely soften the emotional reality.As the conversation turns to running, Olly and Tom revisit their shared history and look ahead to the Durham marathon, highlighting the importance of friendship, community and support — both in parenting and in fundraising for this cause.👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.comAll episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

After a podcast break last week, episode seven of Marathons for Miracles sees Olly joined by Robin and Annabel ahead of the 8th leg: Northamptonshire on Saturday 14th February.They share a different but deeply relevant story — the unexpected arrival of their son, Jago, at 29 weeks following severe pre-eclampsia. Annabel reflects on how quickly a low-risk pregnancy turned critical, the warning signs that were missed, and the reality of being hospitalised weeks earlier than planned. Together, they talk candidly about life on NICU, the long weeks of uncertainty, and the quiet grief of missing out on the “normal” newborn experience.The conversation explores the emotional toll of premature birth, parenting in intensive care, and how research funded by Tommy’s — including new early screening for pre-eclampsia — is already changing outcomes for families like theirs. Annabel also shares how her care looks different this time, as she prepares to run 5km with us while pregnant again herself.The episode looks ahead to the Northamptonshire route, starting with parkrun in Daventry before heading out along the Grand Union Canal and finishing in Byfield — with mud & trails very much on the cards.👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.comThis episode contains sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss, premature birth and medical trauma. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

In episode six of Marathons for Miracles, Olly is joined by Louis, who will be running the Warwickshire leg alongside him this weekend.Louis shares his and Sophie’s story of loss — from an early miscarriage after discovering three fetal poles, to a later pregnancy where routine blood tests revealed their baby (whom they named Frankie) had died. Louis recounts the shock of it all, the reality of grief when life flips overnight, and the night Sophie went into labour at home before being taken into hospital.They also talk about pregnancy after loss, the anxiety that follows, and the support that helped them keep going — including the crucial role of Tommy’s (and the specialist care they fund), as Louis reflects on why so many people only discover the charity when they need it most.The episode looks ahead to the Warwickshire run route for Sunday 1st Feb: starting at Warwick Castle, stopping in Henley-in-Arden (ice cream stop), on to Stratford-upon-Avon (cake stop), then finishing in Alcester.👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.comAll episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

In episode five of Marathons for Miracles, Olly is joined by Lucie, who will be taking on the Staffordshire leg of the challenge this coming Sunday, 25th January 2026.Lucie shares her experience of pregnancy loss nearly 30 years ago, after conceiving twins through assisted conception and giving birth to her son and daughter, at just under 20 weeks. She speaks openly about the trauma of loss, its lasting emotional impact, and the differences in care, language and support then compared to now — reflecting on how grief evolves and can resurface even decades later.They discuss pregnancy after loss, the anxiety that followed during her next pregnancy, and how those experiences shaped decisions around family life. Lucie also highlights the lack of support for fathers at the time, and why open conversations matter so much today.The episode looks ahead to the Staffordshire route, starting in the village of Himley and taking in canals, railways, and flat trails (phew), with Lucie running as much as her injured knee allows before hopping on the bike. There may also be a special guest joining the run on the day!👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.comAll episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

In episode four of Marathons for Miracles, Olly is joined by Jonny Girvan, who will be running the Cheshire marathon alongside him this weekend - Sunday 18th Jan.Jonny shares the story of his and his wife Emma’s six-year journey through IVF and four miscarriages, the emotional toll of repeated loss, and how hope, optimism and perseverance eventually led to the healthy arrival of their son. He speaks openly about fear, anxiety, jealousy, resilience, and the reality that even a happy ending doesn’t erase what came before.They explore how running provided control, structure and space during years of uncertainty, the impact of IVF on daily life, and why being open about loss — especially among friends — matters so much.The episode looks ahead to the Cheshire run, starting in Tarvin outside Chester, taking on the Helsby Half Marathon, before returning home to complete the distance.👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.comAll episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

In episode three, Olly is joined by Adam 'Adz' Ras — a former army medic, an endurance runner and an all-round force for good, who is running the Rutland marathon with Olly on 10th January.Adz shares the deeply personal story of the miscarriage he and his ex-wife experienced nearly 30 years ago while he was serving abroad — a time when men’s mental health and grief were rarely spoken about. He talks honestly about guilt, the pressure to “crack on”, and the long-term impact that moment had on his life, relationships and wellbeing.They also explore how service, purpose and running have shaped Adz’s journey — from ultramarathons in the Jordanian desert to 76km charity runs — and why helping others has become such an important part of his life.Key moments:• Why Adz felt called to join Marathons for Miracles• Losing a baby while serving overseas — and the unseen toll on dads• The long journey to counselling, PTSD diagnosis and self-forgiveness• How endurance challenges and community have helped him heal• A look ahead to the Rutland marathon weekendA powerful, open and compassionate conversation about grief, masculinity, mental health — and how supporting others can help us move forward.👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.comAll episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

In episode two of Marathons for Miracles, Olly is joined by Charlie and Alex — a couple from Kent, with Alex a very newly qualified midwife.They talk about life on the frontline of pregnancy, birth and baby loss, how midwives are trained to support families through grief, and the vital role charities play once hospital care ends.They also share how running has shaped their mental health, relationship and future plans — from parkrun to marathons, weddings to extended travel — and why this challenge felt like the right way to give something back.Key moments:Alex’s fresh perspective on midwifery training & bereavement careHow charities like Tommy’s, SANDS and Abigail’s Footsteps bridge the gap after hospital careUsing running to manage mental health and create structure after lossA tour of the Kent marathon route on 4th Jan: Thames Path, Charlton Athletic, Shooters Hill, parks and “mainland Kent”, with support from Bexley ACA thoughtful, grounded conversation about midwifery, loss, and putting one foot in front of the other.👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.comAll episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

In the first episode of Marathons for Miracles, Olly introduces the challenge: 39 marathons in 39 weeks, across 39 historic counties of England, raising funds and awareness for Tommy’s.He’s joined by Lyni Sargent, the first runner of the challenge, who shares her personal story of miscarriage, navigating pregnancy loss while parenting, and becoming pregnant again shortly after loss. Together, they talk openly about grief, resilience, and why breaking the silence around baby loss matters.Key moments:Lyni’s experience of miscarriage after a healthy first pregnancyThe emotional impact of medical care and the power of compassionBecoming pregnant again shortly after loss and navigating mixed emotionsA preview of the Leicestershire marathon route taking place on December 28th, 2025 — hills, mud, fancy dress, and cakeA compassionate, honest start to a series about remembrance, running, and hope.👉 Follow and support the challenge at marathonsformiracles.comAll episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.