BIG SUPPORT: Michael Brennan and William Richards

Two London-based friends and business partners are preparing for an extraordinary endurance challenge to honour the memory of a baby lost too soon – and to raise funds for families going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss. From Monday, September 15, 2025, Michael Brennan and William Richards will run seven marathons in seven consecutive days, covering more than 200 miles from King’s College Hospital in London to Corwen in North Wales.

Their journey will finish on September 21 – the original due date of Michael’s late daughter, known as Baby Brennan. The challenge aims to raise money for the King’s College Maternity Bereavement Team and increase awareness of the work of the Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, which provides care and carries out vital research to improve outcomes for unborn babies.

A deeply personal journey

Michael’s wife, Amelia, gave birth to Baby Brennan at King’s College Hospital in April. Their daughter tragically passed away shortly after birth due to complications linked to PPROM (Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes), a condition that affects around 3% of pregnancies and causes waters to break too early.

For the couple, Corwen is a symbolic location. In 2024, after experiencing a miscarriage, they placed Tibetan prayer flags on a Welsh hillside in memory of their loss. This month, Baby Brennan’s ashes will be scattered nearby.

Michael and William are both experienced runners but have never attempted anything on this scale. Michael said the run is about turning grief into something positive: “We hope our journey can bring awareness and support to families experiencing the unimaginable loss that we sadly faced this year.

“This challenge is for the mums and dads that have been, that could have been, and that will be. The care my wife Amelia received at King’s College Hospital was extraordinary. Raising funds and awareness for the dedicated team is our personal way of expressing our heartfelt gratitude.”

The seven-day route

  • Day 1: King’s College Hospital, London – Slough
  • Day 2: Slough – Streatley (near Reading)
  • Day 3: Streatley – Brill (near Oxford)
  • Day 4: Brill – Broughton Castle, Banbury
  • Day 5: Walton (near Stratford-upon-Avon) – Kings Norton (near Birmingham)
  • Day 6: Telford – Shotatton (near Shrewsbury)
  • Day 7: Oswestry – Llangollen

Fundraising and support

So far, the challenge has raised more than £9,000 via JustGiving, with donations continuing to come in. Every contribution, Michael says, helps ensure that bereaved families receive the care and compassion they need.

The pair have also received sponsorship for support vehicles and running vests from local businesses and individuals keen to back their cause. Donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com