Help Emily Cresswell Raise Funds for Preterm Birth Prevention at George Eliot Hospital

Why I’m Taking on the Triathlon

On 28th September 2025, I’ll be swimming 400 metres, cycling 18 kilometres, and running 5 kilometres in the Warwickshire Triathlon to raise funds for training equipment to enhance the preterm prevention service at GEH. This includes a cervical cerclage simulator, which would help more obstetricians gain confidence in performing cervical cerclage procedures, ultimately aiming to reduce preterm births.

What is the Preterm Prevention Service at GEH?

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of newborn illness and death. Babies born too soon, especially in units without specialist neonatal care, face significantly higher risks.

To tackle this, in May 2024 we launched the Preterm Prevention Clinic in collaboration with our Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS).

Our mission is to improve outcomes for women at high risk of preterm birth at George Eliot Hospital.

Our clinic provides:

• Continuity of care from a dedicated, specialist team
• Additional monitoring and frequent appointments to assess risk
• Evidence-based interventions to lower the chance of early delivery
• Smooth transfer to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire if specialist care is needed

Since opening, we’ve achieved excellent clinical results and high patient satisfaction, with national recognition at the 2025 Preterm Birth Conference in London.

Why This Matters

At GEH, we carry out around six cervical cerclage procedures a year. Because the numbers are small, it’s vital that our team can regularly practise and refine this skill. The cervical cerclage simulator will let us do just that – ensuring that when a woman needs the procedure, we are confident, competent, and able to offer the very best care.

How You Can Help

Every pound you donate will bring us closer to purchasing the simulator and improving the training opportunities for our obstetricians. This isn’t just about equipment – it’s about reducing preterm births, supporting families, and saving lives. If you can, please donate and share this page to help us spread the word. Thank you so much for your support.