When Chloe Allan suffered a sudden placental abruption at 29 weeks pregnant, both her and her daughter’s lives were put at risk.
Now, to mark World Prematurity Day, she is taking on a 54-mile challenge to raise funds for the unit she credits with saving Mollie’s life and giving her family a future together.
The 26-year-old’s pregnancy had been straightforward, and she had been classed as low risk.
But just over seven months into her pregnancy, she had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right and attended her local hospital in Cramlington.
As a precaution, Chloe, from Newcastle Upon Tyne, was transferred to The James Cook University Hospital, which has a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for some of the region’s most critically ill and premature babies.
Shortly afterwards, on 19 May 2025, she suffered a complete placental abruption and Mollie was delivered by emergency caesarean section at just 29 weeks. She weighed only 2lb 7oz.
She said: “It was a complete freak accident; we were just very unlucky.
“But we were lucky to be in hospital at the time it happened. The consultants said Mollie wouldn’t have survived and I probably wouldn’t have either if we weren’t.”
Mollie spent three weeks in the Middlesbrough unit before being transferred to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, where she stayed for a further five weeks.
During her stay at James Cook, Chloe stayed in the hospital’s family flats while Mollie received neonatal care.
Being an hour from home, away from her three-year-old daughter and often on her own, inspired her fundraising challenge.
She added: “I know how important it is for parents to be near their baby, but also how much the small, practical comforts matter when you have suddenly found yourself living away from home with nothing prepared.
“I want to help make an incredibly difficult and frightening time a little more comfortable for the families who find themselves in the same position.”
Going from strength to strength
Now, 17 months later, although Mollie suffers with a weak chest as her lungs were underdeveloped when she was born, she is thriving and hitting all her milestones.
Reflecting, Chloe said: “The care and quick actions of the team involved saved both of us and we will forever be grateful that we get to be home together today.”
As a thank you, on Saturday 14 November, Chloe and her husband Ethan are walking from Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital to James Cook within 24 hours.
You can donate via Chloe’s JustGiving page.
Inspirational
Neonatal unit ward manager Vicky Ford said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Chloe and Ethan. Your generosity and commitment in supporting the unit that cared for Mollie is truly inspiring.
“The funds you raise will help us continue to provide the highest standard of care, equipment, and support to babies and families during what can be an incredibly challenging time.
“It has been a privilege to be part of your family’s journey, and we are deeply touched that you have chosen to give back in such a meaningful way.
Your kindness will make a lasting difference to many families who come through our doors in the future.”