Two residents of London have successfully completed the daunting feat of running seven marathons over the course of seven days, raising over £16,000 to support families dealing with the tragedy of baby loss.

Business associates Michael Brennan and William Richards covered a distance of 200 miles, traveling from south London to north Wales. Their motivation stemmed from the heartbreaking experience of Mr. Brennan, who lost his infant daughter, born prematurely at just 19 weeks.

Their endeavor aimed to support a dedicated baby loss support team at King’s College Hospital, along with the Harris Birthright Research Centre, which is focused on improving pregnancy outcomes.

Mr. Brennan expressed that the marathons served as a tribute to “Baby Brennan.” He carried her ashes throughout the challenge and released them upon completing the run, coinciding with what would have been her due date.

Earlier this year, in April, Mr. Brennan’s wife Amelia gave birth at King’s College Hospital well before reaching the usual term of pregnancy. The preceding week, she experienced preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), a condition affecting around 3% of pregnancies, which resulted in her waters breaking prematurely.

Long-time friends Mr. Brennan and Mr. Richards picked Corwen in Denbighshire as their final stop due to its meaningful connection to the Brennan family.

In September 2024, after Mrs. Brennan’s first pregnancy ended in an early miscarriage, the couple visited a Welsh hilltop where they placed Tibetan prayer flags in memory of their loss. They scattered Baby Brennan’s ashes in the vicinity.

Mr. Brennan remarked that their marathons, which went “incredibly well,” were an opportunity to contribute to the King’s College Hospital maternity bereavement fund.

“Thanks to early counseling, we could engage in very emotional yet necessary conversations. I am just one of countless parents who have faced this situation. It’s an ongoing reality, and sadly, there will be more families experiencing what we went through.”

Describing his wife as a “formidable woman,” Mr. Brennan credited her for helping him devise the plan for their marathon challenge.

“She took the initiative and executed it superbly,” he stated.

Reflecting on the experience of running, he shared, “You get into a rhythm where your mind takes over. After completing one, two, and three, you realize your body is capable of it.”

Mr. Richards noted that their challenge evolved from a physical focus to a mental one.

“It was fascinating; the initial days were very much about physical endurance. By the end, it became more about mental resilience. But the final day felt truly joyful.”

Mr. Brennan emphasized that their undertaking also had a profound symbolic aspect.

He explained, “For me, it was about finding a way to honor the memory of Baby Brennan. Given how long Amelia carried her, I reflected on what I could do as her father.”

“I carried her ashes throughout to the finish line, and we released them together. It allowed me to process a great deal in a compact time frame.”

With Baby Brennan’s due date being September 21st, they managed to conclude their challenge on that very day.

“It was highly symbolic, yet it also enabled me to channel my emotions into an endeavor that may help others.”