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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Olivia Williams

Parents 'over the moon' at pregnancy but 'everything changed' at 12-week scan

A dad has shared his heartbreak following the death of his baby son.

Jason Frain and his wife Katie were "over the moon" to welcome their first child into the world last year. But at their 12-week scan they were given the heartbreaking news that their baby, named Aubrey, was "very poorly".

The pair were referred to the perinatal team at Claire House in Wirral for support following "weeks of heartache".

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Jason, originally from Rochdale but who now lives in Chester, said: “Last year was the happiest and saddest year of our lives. We found out that we were pregnant with our first child, but everything changed at the 12-week scan.

"We were told that Aubrey was very poorly and referred to the team at Claire House."

The 34-year-old said Aubrey was born extremely prematurely on April 30 last year and died six days later on May 5. Jason said Claire House helped him and his Katie during their "darkest days".

Jason Frain is running six marathons in six days in honour of his son Aubrey. He is raising money for Claire House (Claire House/Family handout)

He added: "Claire House supported us during unimaginable challenges before and after Aubrey was born. Their support was invaluable and still remains a constant in our lives now, twelve months on.

"Aubrey was born extremely prematurely and Claire House held us through our darkest days and helped us move forward with our healing journey.”

To honour Aubrey's first birthday and to celebrate the six days Jason and Katie got to spend with their son, Jason plans to run a marathon every day for six days, starting on Sunday, April 30. The 34-year-old is aiming to raise £5,000 for the children's hospice.

As part of his ‘Because Of You- 6 marathons in 6 days’ challenge, Jason will pass Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Claire House Children’s Hospice on the Wirral, The Milk Bank at Chester and the Countess of Chester Hospital, all of whom supported him and his family.

Writing on the JustGiving page, Jason said: "Because of you, Aubrey, I will push myself physically harder and further than I ever have before. Your legacy will live on, and your memory will provide love and support to other families like ours.

"You inspire us to be the best mummy and daddy we can be for you. We are grateful you chose us and know you will guide us through the rest of our lives."

Claire House is the local children’s hospice, caring for babies, children, young adults and their families who are seriously or terminally ill from across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales.

Debby Lofthouse, Event Fundraiser at Claire House, said: “It is such a huge and incredible challenge that Jason is undertaking and everyone at Claire House really appreciates his support. The money that Jason raises will ensure that we can continue to be there for other local families and parents and support them through the toughest of times.”

Jason added: “Katie and I weren’t aware of the extent of support Claire House can offer. We cannot even begin to show how grateful we are for the care and support that we received.”

To support Jason and his fundraising, you can donate to his JustGiving page here.

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