Marathons for Miracles

Ep21: Losing Luca and Leila, and Finding Purpose Through Running, with James — Devon

Week 22 takes us to Devon, as James joins us ahead of another marathon on the South West coast. James shares the story of losing his son Luca after a devastating diagnosis during pregnancy, followed by a miscarriage, and later the loss of Leila. He speaks openly about navigating repeated loss, the emotional toll of difficult decisions, and the long road that has followed through genetics testing and IVF treatment. We talk about the reality of living year-to-year between pregnancies, the frustration of unanswered questions, and how running became an outlet for grief, purpose and hope. This Sunday, we head to Devon for Marathon 22, running alongside James on a route shaped by family, memory and meaning. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.com [http://marathonsformiracles.com] All episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

Ep20: From Heartbeat Scan to A Missed Miscarriage, with Nicole — Cornwall

Nicole joins us this week ahead of the Cornwall Marathon on Sunday. After experiencing a missed miscarriage in 2021, Nicole shares the emotional impact of losing a pregnancy after hearing a heartbeat — and the difficult months that followed as she tried to process grief, anxiety, and the feeling that somehow it must have been her fault. She talks openly about shutting people out, navigating pregnancy announcements around her, and how the resources and stories shared through Tommy’s helped her realise she wasn’t alone. Nicole also reflects on the anxiety that followed in subsequent pregnancies, from countless scans and bleeding scares to not buying a single baby item until 36 weeks pregnant. Running became a huge coping mechanism for Nicole, which makes the devastating timing of a stress fracture ruling her out of Sunday’s marathon all the more frustrating. But despite not being able to run, she’ll still be there as part of the team as we take on the Cornish coast for Marathon 21. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.com [http://marathonsformiracles.com] All episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

Ep19: Three Miscarriages, a Molar Pregnancy & the NHS Three-Loss Rule, with Tom & Amy — Yorkshire

Week 20. The half-way point! Olly is joined by long-time friends Tom and Amy ahead of the Leeds Marathon this Sunday marking the halfway point of the challenge. They share their experience of three consecutive pregnancy losses over just over a year, after the seamless arrival of their now-toddler, Florence. They cover the partial molar pregnancy that required surgery and a medically enforced wait before trying again, the limited information available at each stage, and the frustration of an NHS system that only triggers recurrent miscarriage support after a third loss. They also talk about what it's like as a couple — managing each other's expectations, the anxiety that replaces excitement when a positive test comes around again, and the value of being able to talk honestly with someone who's been through something similar. They discuss what running offers that's hard to find elsewhere — the conversations that happen outdoors, at pace, in the sunshine. Therapy for many. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.com [http://marathonsformiracles.com] All episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

Ep18: Loss, Faith & Finding Strength, with Ryan — Herefordshire

Ryan joins us to share his personal story shaped by loss, resilience, and perspective. From an ectopic pregnancy with a previous partner, to the loss of his partner, Olivia, and later a miscarriage of twins with his wife, Beth, Ryan reflects on how grief has evolved over time — and how he’s found ways to keep moving forward. He talks about the role running plays in processing difficult moments, the strength he’s found in family, and how faith has helped him hold onto hope. This Sunday, we head to rural Herefordshire for Marathon 19, with Ryan joined by his sister, Kathy, for what promises to be a stunning outing. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.com [http://marathonsformiracles.com] All episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.

Ep17: The Reality of IVF, Secondary Infertility, and Opening Up To Others, with Charlie — Middlesex

Marathon 18 brings us to Middlesex and the London Marathon — but this episode goes far beyond the race. Olly is joined by his best friend Charlie, who shares the personal journey that led him to the start line. From early assumptions about fertility to the harsh realities of secondary infertility, Charlie opens up about the emotional strain of IVF and the hidden challenges couples face. The conversation explores the physical toll of treatment, the loneliness and stigma surrounding infertility, and the toll it places on relationships — alongside the moments of hope that kept them going. After years of uncertainty, setbacks, and a <2% chance of success, Charlie and his wife Alice’s story ultimately led to the arrival of their son, turning 1 this summer. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.com [http://marathonsformiracles.com] All episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional support if needed. Listener discretion advised.