In a unique display of dedication, Rosyln Lolic, a Scottish midwife, is preparing to tackle a demanding ultra marathon as a tribute to bereaved parents. Her goal is to help them create lasting memories as they navigate the losses of their babies.
Roslyn is looking forward to a 50km trail race, which will take her across the challenging terrains of the Highlands this coming Sunday.
Roslyn, who holds the position of Charge Midwife at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, is eager to raise as much money as possible to support the RAH Maternity Bereavement Fund. Funds will be used to maintain the dedicated bereavement room, a sanctuary for parents experiencing a distressing pregnancy or baby loss.
The bereavement room offers parents a chance to spend precious moments and “make memories” with their babies who, tragically, will not be going home with them. Roslyn recognizes and emphasizes the importance of such a sanctuary during such a challenging period.
As Roslyn explains, “A lot of people don’t see it as being part of our jobs, but pregnancy loss and stillbirth are 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.”
The hospital has collaborated with the charity Simba to provide memory boxes, with plans to extend their support services for families going forward.
Roslyn, a resident of Paisley, took up running about eight years ago as a means of incorporating physical fitness into her demanding work schedule. She has successfully completed several half marathons. The upcoming Ultra X Scotland, starting at Fort Augustus and extending to the far side of Loch Ness, is set to be her most challenging race yet.
Roslyn will be joined by 18 friends from a Paisley-based gym. Each participant is raising funds for various meaningful causes.
Roslyn has already surpassed her initial fundraising target, generating £5,000 to date. The funds will support bereaved families and contribute to purchasing new memory-making equipment, including a new camera printer.
The ultra marathon is scheduled for Sunday, coinciding with the International Day of the Midwife.
Laura Flynn, Lead Midwife for the Clyde sector of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde praised Roslyn’s efforts, “Roslyn is an inspiration as she takes on one of her most difficult challenges to date by participating in the Ultra X Scotland ultra marathon.”
People inspired by Roslyn’s challenge can join local parkruns to celebrate the International Day of the Midwife or the International Nurses Day in the subsequent weekend. For more information, visit the parkrun website and register for free.
Donations to support Roslyn’s cause can be made on her official GoFundMe page.
To stay updated with the latest news from Glasgow and beyond, please sign up for our daily newsletter.
