I'm fundraising to help with the purchase of a new ultrasound scanner at the Queen Alexandra Hospital (QAH).  

During my pregnancy with James, Mr Marwan Salloum, my consultant obstetrician, identified that I had a rare condition known as placenta percreta, through the use of an ultrasound scanner. This is where the placenta attaches to the scar of a previous Caesarean, penetrates through the uterus and into the bladder. Left unidentified, it is a life-threatening condition.

The surgery to save us both would normally involve a traumatic operation but, instead, Mr Salloum performed a far less invasive procedure. It was only the fifth time it had been done in the UK and it meant that James and I were ready to leave hospital within only 10 days.

We named our son James Marwan Cusworth, after Mr Salloum, but I still want to give something back to him and the incredible team that took such great care of us during our stay in QAH.

On 7th October I will be competing in a 300 mile rowing race from Sardinia to Barcelona in an all-female crew of five. We'll be rowing 2 hours on, 2hours off, for 5-6 days. It's going to be brutal.

Please sponsor me to help raise funds to buy a new ultrasound scanner for the obstetrics unit, so that they can continue to do their amazing work.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.