Actress Jennifer Kirby, best known for playing Nurse Valerie Dyer in Call the Midwife, is to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon in March, for the charity Women and Children First.
Jennifer, who will be taking on the challenge of her first half marathon, is aiming to raise over £1,000 for Women and Children First. The charity helps women have a healthy pregnancy and safe childbirth, in some of the world’s poorest communities.
Jennifer felt inspired to support the charity after learning about the pregnancy and childbirth problems facing women whilst playing a prominent role in Call the Midwife.
Speaking about her support of the charity, Jennifer says “Too many women die needlessly in some of the poorest parts of Africa and Asia, facing problems that can harm them, kill them or hold them back.
“These problems include severe complications in pregnancy and childbirth, and deadly diseases like malaria. The problems are both preventable and treatable.
“Women and Children First is an incredible small charity that empowers women in these communities to find the answers to these problems. The charity sets up women’s health groups, which share skills and information and take action that can help women survive and thrive through their pregnancy.
“I am incredibly proud to support Women and Children First in their fantastic work.”
Women and Children First has saved the lives of over 6,000 women and children so far. When a mother-to-be attends a health group, her risk of maternal death is halved. A newborn baby’s chances of death are lowered by one-third.
Jennifer is also excited to be running a race in her adopted home city of London, and is an enthusiastic runner, training when not filming for the show. Jennifer adds, “I am really looking forward to running in London past landmarks like Big Ben and being cheered on by thousands of people. I relish the challenge!”
To help Jennifer reach and exceed her target, you can sponsor her through her fundraising page.
You can be part of the action too! Run the iconic Royal Parks Half Marathon for Women and Children First in October 2019, please contact Melanie Smith - m.smith@womenandchildrenfirst.org.uk - to register your interest in this popular challenge! Limited spaces are available. Good luck!