When twins Ffion and Carys were born prematurely, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) became their family’s world. Carys, one of the smallest babies in the unit at the time, spent 11 weeks in hospital, and the family clung to every milestone. Celebrating the day she reached 1kg to the moment she moved into an open cot.

For their parents, those early days were a blur of worry, exhaustion and hope. They travelled 50 minutes each way to visit, while juggling life at home with Ffion and long days by Carys’s side. The small things made the biggest difference – such as being able to use a kitchen to heat food brought in by family, or staying overnight in hospital accommodation when Carys was unwell.

But the family rooms weren’t always available, and the facilities were basic. “Being able to stay together when Carys was so unwell meant Mam and Dad could be with us within minutes, not driving back and forth,” Ffion shares, now hoping to make a difference by running Cardiff Half Marathon for the Cwtsh Clos appeal. “I think little things like having a kitchen to make their own food or warm food that our family was giving to them was a little thing that made a difference”.

The Cwtsh Clos appeal will transform neonatal family accommodation for parents of sick and premature babies, creating a warm, comfortable “Cwtsh” where families can rest, unwind and stay together during the hardest days of their lives. It’s exactly what Ffion’s family wished for when they were going through their own NICU journey.

Today, Carys lives life to the full despite ongoing health challenges, including joint and bone problems linked to her prematurity. And now, Ffion is preparing to take on the Cardiff Half Marathon – her first ever – to raise funds for Cwtsh Clos!

“I was never a runner,” she admits. “I started last year to get fitter, and now I actually enjoy it. I’m hoping to just enjoy it and I will be doing it knowing I’ve raised money for a good cause which I’m hoping will make it just that little bit easier!”.

From those fragile first days in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Singleton Hospital, to running 13.1 miles for other families facing the same journey, Ffion’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and a deep belief in the power of keeping families close.

You can support Ffion’s Cardiff Half Marathon and help make Cwtsh Clos a reality by donating to her fundraiser today.

Feeling inspired? Courtesy of the wonderful Principality Building Society, we’ve got a few charity places left for Cardiff Half Marathon, and we’d love to have you on board! Sign up today using the button below.