Walking for hope

Last year David and Claudia lost their treasured little girl, Lucia, who was born at only 23 weeks.

The Bagworths’ two other children were also born prematurely.

Diego, now 5, was born at 35 weeks and Noah (now five months) was born at 36 weeks.

Fortunately both boys survived the early uncertainty and are now thriving.

‘He was a blessing,’ said Claudia of Noah.

Before that Claudia suffered three miscarriages.

Wanting to help others who have gone through the same thing, Claudia and husband David are participating in ‘Walk for Prems’ organised by Life’s Little Treasures Foundation on October 26.

The group is a charity dedicated to the families of babies born premature or sick.

‘We already were part of the group that provided lots of material and support after we lost Lucia,’ he said.

‘The staff at King Edward Hospital also were very supportive and gave more information.

‘It really helps to make informed decisions when you are going through that experience.’

It opened their eyes to the fact still more awareness and research was needed for premature births.

‘There were two reasons why we decided to go in the walk ” because both boys were born prematurely and to raise awareness,’ David said.

‘Ultimately this walk is about recognition and remembrance of Lucia and remembering what we went through with Noah.’

Walk for Prems’ is to help raise support and awareness for the 45,000 premature babies born in 2014 and is the major fundraiser for the group.

Prem facts– About 45,000 infants are admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Special Care Nursery ward each year in Australia– About 15 million babies across the world are born premature each year– Premature birth occurs when a baby is born during 20-36 weeks gestation rather than during 37-40 weeksSource: www.lifeslittletreasures.org.au The EssentialsWHAT:Walk for PremsWHEN: Register from 9.30am,walk from 10.30am October 26WHERE: Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth Esplanade on the South Perth ForeshoreREGISTER: www.walkforprems.org.au – $20 for adults, $10 for children