Parents who were left heart broken after losing their baby boys have been raising money for the charities that helped them with their grief.

Paul Masters and his wife Siobhan, from Chinnor, experienced heartbreak in August 2020 when they lost their twin baby boys, James and Ryan.

James was stillborn on August 5 at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital, and his twin brother, Ryan, was born seriously ill.

The babies were transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where Ryan was looked after on the Newborn Intensive Care Unit before sadly passing away nine days later, at Helen & Douglas House Hospice.

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Throughout this desperate time, Mr and Mrs Masters were given support by hospital and hospice staff, and from three local charities; Oxford Hospitals Charity, SSNAP (Support for Sick Newborns and their Parents) and Helen & Douglas House.

To thank those who were there to help his family at this critical time, Mr Masters decided that he would run 365 miles over 365 days raising funds in memory of his boys to help other local families faced with similar heartbreak.

On Sunday November 21, he will run his final mile, from the John Radcliffe Hospital to Helen & Douglas House Hospice in Oxford.

Herald Series: Paul Masters runs for three local charities

Mr Masters said: "Without the support of these charities I honestly don’t know how we would’ve got through what I can only describe as the most awful and challenging time.

"I know that much of the help we have received is directly thanks to these charities and so this is my way of saying thank you to them for letting us have that extra time with our boys which will always be treasured, and for the care and kindness they have shown us throughout."

He added: "I can't believe I'm finally within touching distance of the end of my challenge. It's been an amazing journey right from day one when I realised that I couldn't actually run a mile, through to now, when I'm this close to finishing all 365. There were many days where it was hard to stay motivated and keep going especially when it was freezing cold outside but then thinking about my boys has kept me going."

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He has already raised £20,000 in memory of his sons.

The funds he raises will provide vital funds to help the charities continue to support other families who experience the loss of a baby.

Douglas Graham, CEO of Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: "Paul and Siobhan’s courage through such heartbreak is truly inspirational and this incredible support for these special local charities will ensure that the legacy of their little boys will help many families for years to come."

To support Paul’s fundraising visit:uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulMasters12  

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