Mum to Walk 17 Miles Between Hospitals That Saved Her Life After Rare Pregnancy Complication

In March 2026, what should have been the happiest time of my life very quickly became a fight for survival.

After the birth of my son by emergency Caesarean section at Darent Valley Hospital, I became critically ill with HELLP syndrome, a rare and potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication related to pre-eclampsia.

I suffered a large subcapsular liver haematoma and liver injury, causing severe internal bleeding. I lost around three litres of blood, required three blood transfusions and underwent two further emergency operations. I spent five days in intensive care and was transferred from Darent Valley Hospital to King’s College Hospital for specialist treatment.

On Saturday 20th March 2027 my partner Katherine and I will undertake a 17-mile charity walk from Darent Valley Hospital to King’s College Hospital to thank the NHS teams who cared for me, and to raise money for Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC).

APEC is dedicated to supporting families affected by pre-eclampsia and related conditions, raising awareness and supporting research that helps saves the lives of mothers and babies affected by the condition.

To support raise funds or read more about our story, visit:

www.justgiving.com/page/eva-collingwood-1

We hope sharing our story will help more people recognise how suddenly and seriously conditions such as HELLP syndrome and pre-eclampsia can develop, as well as raise as much as possible for APEC.