Falcon mum pounds pavement to raise funds for premature bubs

Hosted by the Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, the annual fundraiser will see walks held across Australia to support the families of babies born sick or prior to 37 weeks gestation.

For mums like Ms Campbell, whose daughter Annelise was born 11 weeks early, it’s a chance to raise awareness for those dealing with the struggles of a prematurely-born baby.

Annelise was due to be born in February 2015, but was delivered via emergency cesarean on December 15, 2014.

“At around 24 weeks I went to my obstetrician and my blood pressure was high, and I had pregnancy-induced hypertension,” Ms Campbell said.

“It was stable for a few weeks but around 29 weeks it just went really bad.

“I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and was emitted to King Edward’s, and they said that I’d be there for the rest of my pregnancy.

“They thought it would progress quite slowly but three days later Annelise was delivered by C-section.”

Both Ms Campbell and Annelise were moved straight to intensive care.

Annelise remained there for four weeks before being moved to special care for a five week period.

She underwent daily blood tests and regular brain scans before being cleared to go home after spending the first three months of her life in hospital.

The next two years were filled with trips to the Perth for regular checkups and tests, before Annelise was officially discharged in February this year.

Now, fully fit and healthy, the mother and daughter duo are preparing to take part in their third Walk for Prems.

“We got involved in the first Walk for Prems we could, because there are so many people out there going through what we did, and a lot of people have it worse,” Ms Campbell said.

“To be able to look at Annelise and know she’s healthy is a blessing, so it’s easy for us to give our support to others going through premature birth.”

The WA Walk for Prems will take place at the South Perth Foreshore on Sunday, October 29.

To donate to the cause visit walkforprems.org.au