A mum who had to travel 50 miles for a special-care baby unit when she went into premature labour is taking part in a buggy push to raise money for babies needing special care.

Michaela Southworth, from the Isle of Dogs, will be taking part in this year’s 5km Bliss Buggy Push for the special care baby charity on 16 July at London’s Kensington Gardens.

Michaela, who now runs a East London Bliss Family Support group, had to travel to Luton and Dunstable hospital because all special-care baby units in the capital were full when she went into labour 16 weeks early at The Royal London in Whitechapel.

Her son Nathan weighing just 1lb 6oz when born at 24 weeks. He suffered from severe infections and brain haemorrhages, and struggled to maintain his blood pressure and had difficulty breathing. But at five weeks old Nathan stabilised enough to be transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital for specialist surgery.

Michaela, 34, said: “I’m so glad Nathan is alive and doing well. When I look back at my tiny baby, who was given a slim chance of living, it’s hard to believe that my lively toddler is the same child. Bliss has been invaluable to me and I would like to give something back and do the buggy push to raise money to help other premature and sick babies and their families.”

Michaela will be joining other mums and dads, from across the UK, to raise money for special care babies. Funds raised will ensure Bliss can continue helping the 80,000 premature and sick babies and their families born needing specialist hospital care in the UK every year.

Visit www.justgiving.co.uk/michaelasouthworth to support Michaela or to take part in the Bliss Buggy push contact hannahp@bliss.co.uk or or 020 7378 1122.