Hi, my name is Carley, and I am the proud Mummy of Maeva Elsie Cowburn.

Maeva was born on 8th June 2023 at 33 weeks following complications during pregnancy. During my pregnancy, we were given a number of worrying findings, and after extensive testing, we were told that Maeva had a very rare genetic condition called Kabuki Syndrome (KDM6A). She also developed Non-Immune Fetal Hydrops before she was born.

When Maeva arrived, she was very poorly, but she showed incredible strength from the very beginning. She went on to battle Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), and despite everything she faced, she fought so hard.

Tragically, at just 8 days old, Maeva developed E. coli sepsis. After continuing to fight for a further 54 hours, she passed away peacefully in our arms on 19th June 2023, at just 11 days old.

In her short life, Maeva showed more courage and strength than most of us will ever know. She made her Daddy and I endlessly proud, and she is loved more than words could ever express.

When Maeva took her last breath, we made a promise to do everything we could to keep her name and her memory alive.

Since then, my husband and I, along with family and friends came together to raise money in her honour. For her 1st birthday, we took on the Manchester Marathon in various forms, from 10k relays to half and full marathons, and together we raised over £15,000 for Baby Beat, supporting the neonatal unit that cared so beautifully for Maeva.

Now, I am continuing that promise.

In the next 12 months, I will be taking on a new challenge - a Wing Walk in Maeva’s memory - yes, being strapped to the top of a plane and flown through the sky! 

I am yet to set a firm date, but it is 100% happening! The flight season runs from April through to mid November this year, so depending on how quickly the target is reached depends on if I will do it this year or in 2027 season. 

I will also be doing raffles, etc, throughout.

The Wing Walk will be taking place in Leeds, at Ethel Dares WingWalking.

Every penny raised will be split equally, with 50% going to Lumiere Charity in Liverpool and 50% to the Tigerlily Trust in Lancaster. I will share updates along the way so you can see exactly the difference you’ve helped make.

These charities provide incredible support to families facing the unimaginable, and it means so much to be able to give something back in Maeva’s name.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story, and for any support you are able to give. It truly means the world to us.

Carley xx