Two Bath mums are taking on the Bath Half Marathon this March to give back to the hospital teams who supported them through some of the most frightening moments of their lives.
The iconic Bath Half Marathon, taking place on 15 March, will see thousands of runners pass through the city centre, including more than 100 people raising money for the Royal United Hospitals Bath.
Among them is Emilie Giotti (pictured above), who is running to thank the RUH after both her and her unborn baby’s life were saved when she contracted Covid during pregnancy.
Emilie was 27 weeks pregnant when she became seriously unwell during the height of the pandemic and was admitted to the RUH for urgent treatment.
“From the moment I arrived on the Helena Ward, I was met with kindness that went far beyond medical care,” said Emilie. “The compassion and reassurance I received made an overwhelming situation feel manageable.”
As her illness progressed, Emilie was moved to intensive care, where staff continued to care for both her and her unborn daughter, Isabelle.
“The care for both me and my daughter Isabelle was nothing short of extraordinary,” she said. “Through their dedication, skill and determination, I slowly began to improve.”
Today, Emilie and Isabelle are both thriving, something Emilie says she never takes for granted.
“RUHX supports the vital work at the RUH, from staff wellbeing to life saving equipment,” she said. “Running the Bath Half is my chance to give something back to the people who quite literally gave us everything.”
Also running the Bath Half is Jess Earl-Munns, who is fundraising to thank the RUH for the care she received following a traumatic ectopic pregnancy in 2024.
“In 2024 we unfortunately had an ectopic pregnancy,” said Jess. “It was a very traumatic and emotional time for me and my husband, and our pregnancy had to end with emergency surgery.”
She added, “It was such a scary, uncertain experience. The nurses, especially those in EPAC, were so wonderful, patient and caring with us, which made an incredibly difficult time feel a little less overwhelming.”
A year on, Jess and her husband have since welcomed the safe arrival of their son, an experience she describes as deeply healing.
“I was so lucky to have amazing midwives who supported my birth and made it such a positive experience for us,” she said. “We’ll always be grateful for the care we received during both experiences, and running the Bath Half feels like a meaningful way to give something back.”
Both women are running in support of RUHX, the official charity of the Royal United Hospitals Bath, which helps the hospital do more for patients, families and staff across the local community.
On race day, RUHX staff and volunteers will be positioned along the route, cheering on runners as they take part in one of Bath’s biggest annual events.
