Scots midwife to take on ultra marathon to support parents affected by baby loss

A Scots midwife will take on a gruelling ultra marathon to help parents affected by baby loss to "make memories".

Rosyln Lolic, is set to race 50km in a trail race which will see her scale 1,400m across the Highlands on Sunday.

The Charge Midwife at Paisley's Royal Alexandra Hospital is hoping to coin it in for donations to the RAH Maternity Bereavement Fund, with the money raised going towards the upkeep of a bereavement room for parents who have suffered a tragic pregnancy or baby loss.

Roslyn has told of the importance of the room, which allows grieving the parents the chance to "make memories" with their babies who they are not able to take home.

Roslyn 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.”

Roslyn, who lives in Paisley, 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.

But the Ultra X Scotland which will begin at Fort Augustus before heading along the far side of Loch Ness, will be her biggest challenge yet.

The 34-year-old 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.”

Rosyln will be joined by a group of 18 friends from a gym in Paisley who are all raising money for various charities.

The hero midwife has smashed her fundraising target of £500 with £5,000 raised so far, and she has told how the money will go towards supporting bereaved families with plans to buy memory making equipment, including a new camera printer.

The ultramarathon takes place on Sunday, which is also 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 Roslyn all the very best for her challenge.”

Those inspired by Roslyn’s challenge can celebrate International Day of the Midwife by taking part in a local parkrun on Saturday, or next weekend to Celebrate International Nurses Day. Visit the parkrun website to find your local event and register for free.

Roslyn’s fundraising page can be found here.

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