Two friends from Frome are taking on the Bath & Bristol Railway Run this month in memory of their friend’s baby daughter, Sienna Rose, and to raise awareness of a little-known but potentially fatal pregnancy condition.
Sienna Rose Stedman was tragically stillborn at 37 weeks on 24th September 2025. Following her loss, her parents discovered that her mother, Natalie Harley, had been suffering from Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), a condition that can pose serious risks during pregnancy if left undiagnosed.
Despite experiencing all the hallmark symptoms of ICP, including severe itching, these were repeatedly attributed to pre-existing health conditions such as eczema and Gilbert’s Syndrome. Although concerns were raised with medical professionals, no bile acid test, the only definitive way to diagnose ICP, was carried out.
Further research by the family revealed that awareness of ICP remains limited, and critical updates regarding testing, particularly for pregnant women taking certain medications, have not been widely recognised across healthcare services. In response, Sienna’s family is campaigning to raise awareness of ICP and to call for routine bile acid testing to be made mandatory for all pregnant women.
On 19th April, Helen James and Kirsty Macdonald will run the Bath & Bristol Railway Run in Sienna’s memory. Helen will complete the half marathon, while Kirsty will take on the 10K.
Speaking about the fundraiser, Natalie said, “We are trying to make a change to ensure this doesn’t happen to any other baby or family again. This has been utterly heartbreaking for us all. If there had been more awareness and testing, our beautiful girl would be with us today.”
Funds raised from the event will support equipment for the Forget-Me-Not Suite at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, research into ICP, and a dedicated awareness campaign to improve recognition of symptoms and prevent future tragedies. The family hopes that increased awareness and improved testing protocols will help save lives and spare other families from similar loss.
To support the fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/siennaroseicp
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