London pair run to Wales for baby loss charity

William Richards and Michael Brennan ran seven marathons in seven days

Two Londoners have completed seven marathons in seven days, raising more than £16,000 for families experiencing baby loss.

Business partners Michael Brennan and William Richards ran 200 miles from south London to north Wales, inspired by the loss of Mr Brennan's baby daughter who was born prematurely at 19 weeks.

The challenge was in aid of a specialist baby loss support team at King's College Hospital and the Harris Birthright Research Centre, which is working to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Mr Brennan said the marathons were a way for him to honour "Baby Brennan" - he carried her ashes and released them at the end of the challenge, on what would have been her due date.

Michael and Amelia Brennan visited Corwen after an earlier miscarriage

In April this year, Mr Brennan's wife Amelia gave birth at King's College Hospital less than half way through a normal pregnancy term.

The week before, she had preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), a condition affecting approximately 3% of pregnancies, causing her waters to break too early.

Long-term friends Mr Brennan and Mr Richards chose Corwen in Denbighshire as their final destination because of a symbolic link for the Brennan family.

In September 2024, prior to Mrs Brennan's second pregnancy, and following an early miscarriage, the couple visited a hilltop in Wales and placed Tibetan prayer flags in memory of their first loss. Baby Brennan's ashes were scattered nearby.

'We let her go'

Mr Brennan said the marathons, which went "amazingly well" were a way to give back to the King's College Hospital maternity bereavement fund.

"Because we had counselling early on, we were able to have conversations that were very emotional and difficult.

"I am one of many thousands of parents going through this. It's a thing continuing to happen and unfortunately tomorrow there will be people going though what we did."

Mr Brennan, who described his wife as a "formidable woman", said she helped him formulate a plan for the marathons.

"She took the operational lead and did a very good job," he said.

Reflecting on the run, he said: "You get into a rhythm, your mind takes over, and you know, having done one, two and three, your body can do it."

Mr Richards said the challenge transitioned from one of physicality to mentality.

"It was very interesting, the first couple of days were quite physical," he said. "By the last couple of days, you're just trying to get over the line, make sure that you're body is kept intact. It was mostly mental. But the last day was actually quite a joy to do."

Mr Brennan said their journey was also a symbolic one.

He said: "For me, it was about how could we honour the memory of Baby Brennan. Having Amelia carry her for as long as she did, I thought, 'as a father, what can I do?'

"I carried her ashes all the way to the end, and we let her go. It helped me to process everything in a very short time.

"Her due date was 21 September, so we managed to finish it on time.

"It was very symbolic, but it also allowed me to put my emotions into something that can hopefully help others."