Paisley midwife to take on 'gruelling' ultra marathon to raise money for bereaved parents

A midwife will take on a “gruelling” 50km ultra marathon to raise funds for parents affected by baby loss.

Roslyn Lolic, a charge midwife at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, is tacking the Ultra X Scotland event in aid of the RAH Maternity Bereavement Fund.

Money raised will be put towards 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.

The ultra marathon will see Roslyn, who has been a midwife for 13 years, begin her trail race at Fort Augustus and go along the far side of Loch Ness, covering an elevation of over 1,400m.

Rosyln has raised over £5,000 so far. NHS via Supplied

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.

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.

Rosyln, who has raised over £5,000 so far and will be joined by a group of 18 gym friends who will also be raising money for charity, has admitted the ultra marathon will be her “toughest challenge yet”.

The race will take place on Sunday, which is also the International Day of the Midwife.

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.

Roslyn’s fundraising page can be found here.

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.”