Sophie Smith OAM

Sophie Smith OAM is the founder and director of Running for Premature Babies, a charity dedicated to supporting neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and improving outcomes for premature infants across Australia.

Sophie’s advocacy is deeply personal. In 2007, she and her husband Ash tragically lost three of their prematurely born triplets. Henry was born at 21 weeks and lived for one hour. Jasper and Evan, born at 24 weeks, were cared for in the NICU at the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick. Despite the tireless efforts of medical staff, Evan passed away at ten days old, and Jasper at 58 days.

During their time in hospital, Sophie and Ash witnessed first-hand the critical shortage of life-saving neonatal equipment, which inspired Sophie to take action. What began as a goal to raise $20,000 for a single humidicrib has grown into Running for Premature Babies, a foundation that has raised over $12 million, funded research into prematurity, and donated over 172 pieces of advanced neonatal equipment to hospitals nationwide, helping save the lives of more than 21,000 babies.

Sophie has continued her advocacy while building her family. She and Ash welcomed two more sons, Owen and Harvey, before Ash tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2016. In 2018, Sophie co-authored her memoir, Sophie’s Boys, with profits donated to the foundation.

Sophie has been widely recognised for her dedication and impact. In 2019, she was named NSW Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards, and in 2022 she was awarded an Order of the Medal of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours. She continues to work closely with CEO Gary Trenaman and the Running for Premature Babies team to advocate for premature infant care and life-saving neonatal equipment.