Man set to face fears and raise money for Oxfordshire hospice

A man will be taking on a charity skydive today (Sunday 3rd August) despite his fear of heights, in memory of his boys James and Ryan who were born five years ago around this time.

Paul Masters will be raising money for Helen & Douglas House who helped his family through the terrible loss of his twin boys in August 2020.

5th August 2020 was meant to be the happiest day of Paul and his wife, Siobhan’s lives, but they were unable to find a heartbeat for the biggest twin’s (James) heartbeat and the heartbeat of smaller twin (Ryan) was low.

Paul said: “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.

"He was moved to the John Radcliffe in Oxford. Over the next five and a half days, we finally had to make the heart-breaking 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 & Douglas House children’s hospice to spend what we knew were the final hours and days with Ryan. He finally left us after a further three and a half days later on 14th August.

“Helen & Douglas House gave us the chance to spend three and a half precious days with Ryan making memories. Going for walks around the grounds, reading him story books and films to watch together, giving him cuddles all the things we had dreamed of doing as parents but never thought we would get the chance."

He added: "You can’t put a price on spending those few days with your child, certainly when you know you’re going to lose them. We are just so grateful that Helen & Douglas House were there for us and were able to provide the support to us so that we could enjoy making memories."

Paul also says, "having done the TSC London Marathon as my last big fundraising challenge, I wanted to go one better and do an ultra-marathon but sadly my body said 'no' when I started training.

“My friends sent me the Helen & Douglas House skydive link and I instantly said 'no'...however on a drive to work one beautifully clear sunny morning, I looked up and thought...maybe. I checked the date and it falls on the anniversary weekend of meeting and sadly losing our boys, it was fate.

"The thought of doing it makes me feel physically sick but I know our boys will be watching over me

Elle Parker from Helen & Douglas House said “I would like to thank Paul for all the amazing fundraising he has done for us over the last five years raising over £14,000 for us. Without money raised through these sorts of events, we wouldn’t be able to offer the vital care we were able to provide Paul’s family. The skydive is going to be a huge personal for Paul and I really admire his courage and bravery on such a difficult day for him.”

You can also donate to Paul’s fundraiser here