A Doncaster mum is taking on an epic, mud-soaked challenge in memory of her baby girl to raise funds for the place they spent their final moments together -  Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Fiona Smith, who spent three magical weeks with Ivy-Rose at Bluebell Wood, is taking on the Mud Madness event which is held in support of the charity.

After last year's event was cancelled due to the pandemic, hundreds are expected to join Fiona at Hesley Wood Scout Camp in Chapeltown on Saturday, November 13^th.

Sign up to Mud Madness here

For Fiona, who spent six weeks in hospital with Ivy-Rose following her birth as she battled a serious heart condition, it’s all about giving something back.

“The hospital put us in touch with Bluebell Wood, and we decided to come and stay with Ivy. Within the  first five minutes of arriving, we felt at home,” said Fiona, 32, from Doncaster.

“Bluebell Wood helped us learn to be a mum and dad to Ivy. We were able to go outside and push her in her pushchair – the sun was on her face, and the wind blew her hair about. It was such a special moment and we did it together.”

The charity even helped Fiona and her family fulfil their dream of spending Christmas with Ivy-Rose, despite it being the middle of May.

“I knew we’d never really have Christmas with Ivy, but the Care Team helped us create our very own Christmas Day. We decorated the tree together, pulled crackers over a roast dinner, and played festive music.

“It was such an exciting and emotional day, and it was great to see Louisa, Lucy and Heather having fun with their baby sister.”

Ivy-Rose passed away in her mum’s arms at Bluebell Wood on the 28^th May, 2017.

“In the short time we had with Ivy at Bluebell Wood, we got to be her mum and dad, and we’ll always be grateful for that.

“We’ve raised funds for the hospice since she passed away and I thought Mud Madness would be a really fun way to give something back in memory of Ivy.

“With everything that’s happened over the past 18 months, I feel like families need Bluebell Wood’s support more than ever.”

This year’s Mud Madness will be the third outing for the popular event, which is organised by events  company MLS with Bluebell Wood as the main charity partner.

The event comes to Sheffield on Saturday, November 13^th and hundreds are expected to scramble and slither their way through 25 extremely muddy obstacles. 

Beth Cole, Events Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “By taking on Mud Madness, you’ll be helping us make memories that families like Ivy’s will always treasure.

“There are two courses to suit all abilities, so this really is the perfect chance to dive in, create some magical muddy memories of your own and make a real difference to local families.”