Throughout 2021, Paul Masters is lacing up his trainers and running 365 miles over 365 days in memory of his twin sons, James and Ryan, who passed away in August 2020.

While James was born ‘sleeping’, his younger brother, Ryan, was born desperately ill, fighting for his life. Paul’s epic run is his way of showing his appreciation for the charities that supported his family in their darkest hour:

‘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.’

Following the birth of the boys, the family were transferred to the Ashfield Suite at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where Ryan began a specialist treatment to minimalise the risk of brain seizures.

Thankfully, Paul and Siobhan were also able to bring baby James with them, where he stayed in a special cooling cot, funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity. This meant they could take their time saying goodbye to him, while Ryan was kept close by in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit.

Tragically, despite a valiant fight for survival, the family also had the added heartbreak of saying goodbye to Ryan on 14^th August 2020.

Paul is fundraising for three charities that helped his family through this time, which includes Oxford Hospitals Charity:

‘I know that much in the Ashfield Suite and many other projects across the Maternity Unit at the John Radcliffe are supported by Oxford Hospitals Charity, and so this is my way of saying thank you to the Charity for letting us have that extra time with our boys – it’ll always be treasured.’

Paul has already raised an incredible £16,000 in memory of his sons – and his inspiring run is not over yet. Please join us in wishing him the best of luck with his remaining miles – we’re with you every step of the way.