When Julie and Justin’s first child was born they were excited to take their baby home to Collarenebri  in North West NSW. They knew something was not quite right, and their lives took a turn for the worst when Baby Allie stopped breathing a few days later. Ronald McDonald House Newcastle became home and family for Julie and Justin while Allie spent the next 6 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

“In the six weeks we stayed at Ronald McDonald House we were supported. All the ups and downs Allie went through in the NICU. All the uncertainty when they couldn’t find out what was wrong with her, Ronald McDonald House was supporting us. We couldn’t have got through this time without them!” said Julie.

Over the years since that traumatic start to life for Allie, Julie has thought about Ronald McDonald House and wanted to do something to give back to the charity that gave so much to her and her family.

Five years later, Julie is running her first ever marathon on the 22nd July as part of the Hunter Valley Winery Run. All funds raised through her Everyday Hero page will directly benefit accommodation and support services for families at Ronald McDonald House Newcastle. We all wish her all the best for her run.

For more information about Julie’s journey and marathon please click here