Midwife to take on 50k marathon

A MIDWIFE is set to take on a gruelling 50km ultra- marathon this weekend to raise funds for parents affected by baby loss.

Roslyn Lolic, a charge midwife at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital ( RAH), will begin her trail race at Fort Augustus and go along the far side of Loch Ness, covering a 1400m elevation.

The 34- year- old, who has been a midwife for 13 years, is collecting donations for the RAH Maternity Bereavement Fund by taking part in the Ultra X Scotland.

The money raised will go to the upkeep of a bereavement room for parents who have suffered pregnancy or baby loss and to buy memory- making equipment along with tea, coffee and essential items like toiletries.

Roslyn has completed several half marathons after taking up running eight years ago as a way of fitting in physical activity around her demanding shift pattern.

She said: “This will be the furthest distance I’ve ever run by a long way. I’ve never ran a marathon or ultra- marathon.

“I’ve been so well supported by my colleagues at the RAH and I know they’re all behind me.”

Roslyn, who lives in Paisley, has so far raised £ 5395 and will be joined by 18 of her gym friends, who are all raising money for various charities.

The ultra- marathon takes place tomorrow, which is also International Day of the Midwife.

She said: “A lot of people don’t see it as being part of our jobs, but pregnancy loss and stillbirth is sadly not as uncommon as you would think.

“Giving parents that time and the opportunity to make memories with their babies who they are not able to take home is massive.

“We have worked with the charity SiMBA to provide memory boxes, and we have other things we want to do for families.

“Often people arrive very suddenly so they don’t have items that they need with them. Our bereavement fund and room provide support when they need it, which we know can make a huge difference.”

Laura Flynn, lead midwife for the Clyde sector of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Roslyn is an inspiration as she takes on one of her most difficult charges to date by taking part in the ultramarathon this weekend.

“This is an amazing thing to do both physically and mentally, and the dedication she has shown is an achievement in itself. We wish Roslyn all the very best.”