Paisley midwife takes on ultra marathon to raise funds for bereaved parents

A senior midwife from Paisley is set to take on a gruelling challenge this weekend as she completes a 50km ultra marathon to raise funds for parents affected by baby loss.

Roslyn Lolic, who works at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, will be collecting funds for the RAH Maternity Bereavement Fund as she takes on the Ultra X Scotland event.

The money raise by the Charge Midwife will be used for the upkeep of a bereavement room for parents who have suffered pregnancy or baby loss, and to buy memory making equipment along with tea, coffee and essential items like toiletries.

READ MORE: Lanarkshire pensioner whose dog was killed by two terriers in 'frenzied attack' begged for help

READ MORE: Glasgow toddler who suffered stroke on holiday has ultra-rare 'one in 10 million' disease

The 34-year-old has completed several half marathons after taking up running around eight years ago as a way of fitting in physical activity around her demanding shift pattern, however, this is her biggest challenge yet.

Roslyn said: “It’s the furthest distance I’ve ever run by a long way.

“I took up running about eight years ago as it’s something I can do around my job and shifts and since then I’ve taken part in a few half marathons, but never a marathon or ultra marathon.

“I’ve been so well supported by my colleagues at the RAH and I know they’re all behind me.”

The midwife of 13 years will begin the race from Fort Augustus and go along the far side of Loch Ness, covering over 1,400m elevation.

She trains at Pack Performance in Paisley and will be joined by a group of 18 gym friends who are all raising money for various charities.

Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

Rosyln has raised over £5,000 so far, and explained how the money will go towards supporting bereaved families with plans to buy items including a new camera printer.

She said: “A lot of people don’t see it as being part of our jobs, but pregnancy loss and stillbirth is sadly not as uncommon as you would think.

“Giving parents that time and the opportunity to make memories with their babies who they are not able to take home is massive.

“We have worked with the charity Simba to provide memory boxes, and we have other things we want to do for families.

“Often people arrive very suddenly so they don’t have items that they need with them. Our bereavement fund and room provides support when they need it, which we know can make a huge difference.”

Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox

The event, which takes place on Sunday (May 5), coincides with International Day of the Midwife.

Laura Flynn, Lead Midwife for the Clyde sector of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Roslyn is an inspiration as she takes on one of her most difficult charges to date by taking part in the Ultra X Scotland ultra marathon this weekend.

“This is an amazing thing to do both physically and mentally, and the dedication she has shown is an achievement in itself.

“Her driving passion behind this is to raise money and awareness for the RAH Maternity Bereavement Fund, which helps care for families who have suffered pregnancy or baby loss.

“We wish Rosyln all the very best for her challenge.”

To visit Roslyn's fundraiser page click here