28 February 2026

Saturday 28th Feb There was a moment that we weren’t even guaranteed a first day, let alone first year. Lydia spent the first two weeks of her life in the care of the wonderful people at Starship @starshipfoundation for whom nothing was ever too much trouble. There she got to experience many firsts - including getting to try every possible machine, test, needle and her first MRI scan (which she seemed to enjoy more than any one-week old baby ever should). Starship gave us our daughter, and developed her ongoing ability to sleep though untold amounts of noise (thanks to the constant beeping machines) and her strange enjoyment of taking medicines (always pointing the syringe and wanting more). In March we are taking on a month-long fitness challenge, Kilometres for Kids, to support other sick children like Lydia who need to spend time in Starship. When kids arrive at Starship, they’re often facing the scariest moments of their lives. Your donation supports the incredible staff to provide specialist care and support that makes hospital less intimidating for families. ✨ Your gift could: $30 fund a Buzzy Bee device to ease pain and anxiety $50 help a Play Specialist support a child through treatment $100 help train specialist paediatric nurses In March I will be running 150km and every kilometre I move is for these incredible kids and the staff at Starship - and I’d love your support. Donate here: https://www.kilometresforkids.org.nz/fundraisers/mattstansfield Share