top of page

'Running for the boys' - Father runs 365 miles over 365 days in memory of his twins

Paul & Siobhan were excited for the birth of their twins in August 2020 but what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of their lives, turned into one of the worst.

''The 5th August 2020 was meant to be the happiest day of our lives. Our twin boys James and Ryan were finally making their way into the world.


Little did we know that events had already taken an awful turn. When trying to locate our boys heartbeats before the planned c-section they were unable to find a heartbeat for our biggest twin (James) the heartbeat for our smaller twin (Ryan) was low and the twins and Siobhan were rushed into emergency surgery at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.


Over the next 30 minutes we would learn James was sadly born sleeping and Ryan although still with us was in a very serious condition.''


They continue to tell their story on their Virgin Money Giving Page.


''He was moved to the John Radcliffe in Oxford. Over the next 5 and a half days having been cooled to try and prevent brain seizures and managing multiple organ failure we finally had to make the heartbreaking decision to let him go and join his brother.


However in his usual fighting way when the machines that were keeping him alive were removed he kept breathing on his own and although nothing could be done for him he kept holding on for that bit longer. He was entering what became know as 'Ryan Time'.

We got transferred to Helen House hospice to spend what we knew were the final hours/days with Ryan. He finally left us after a further 3 and a half days, on 14th August.''


Paul said, ''The reason I am doing this fundraiser is because quite honestly without the support of these 3 charities, I honestly don't think we could have got through what was the most awful and challenging time.''


''Without charity funding these things could not keep running and I couldn't begin to imagine how hard it would be to go through any child loss without these things in place. So please do what you can so other parents get the same support we had.


That's why I am going to be running to keep them running. 365 miles over 365 days. I will aim to run a mile a day but any days I miss means I will just have to go that little bit further to catch up.


Thank you so much for your support, it really means so much to us and to others going through what has to be the worst thing in the world, losing a child.


Paul & Siobhan x''


The charities above clearly now hold a very special place in Paul & Siobhan's hearts and we take our hat off to Paul for finding the strength to help raise vital funds.


If you can make a donation, please do click here. Every penny really does count.


You can also stay up to date on Paul's running journey by following them on Facebook.


We send our love and best wishes to Paul and Siobhan. Good luck on the running Paul, please do keep us updated.


Comments


bottom of page