A NORTHSIDER now living in Wales has taken up a series of challenges in an effort to raise funds for research into stillbirth prevention after he and his wife suffered a heartbreak in 2014.
Stephen Doran, originally from Castleknock, will finish the challenges next Sunday (April 24) by running the London Marathon dressed as Forrest Gump in memory of his son, Jude, who was stillborn almost 18 months ago.
The Senior Student Advisor at the University of South Wales and his wife, Karen, were devastated by the tragedy and Stephen is now determined to do what he can to help prevent stillbirths.
“My wife Karen gave birth to our son Jude in November 2014, but tragically, our much longed for first child was stillborn,” he said.
“Karen was first aware of a problem three days after her due date on October 31 and decided to go to the hospital with a friend for a check-up.
“I received a phone call from our friend, who asked me to come to the hospital. At this moment, we were unaware of any bad news.”
When Stephen arrived at the hospital Karen had just been told the terrible news that there was no heartbeat.
“I will never forget the feeling of total loss and heartbreak at that moment, as Karen and I held each other,” he recalled.
“We only had a scan two weeks previously, with nothing suggesting anything abnormal.”
Adding to the couple’s grief was the devastating knowledge that Karen still had to give birth to their baby, knowing that he would not be going home with them. Jude Joseph Doran was born after a nine hour labour.
“As I held my baby son for the first time, at that moment, I felt like the proudest father in the world,” said Stephen.
“Despite us knowing that Jude would never open his eyes, never hold my finger with his chunky hands and never kick a football with his daddy, nothing can ever take that moment away from me.
“But it will never be possible to explain the pain and hurt we experience on a daily basis. It is a pain that we would never wish on anyone.”
The tragedy inspired Stephen to set up a series of fundraising challenges and so far he’s run six 10ks, half marathons and full marathons and taken part in a gruelling 164 mile walk from London to Llantrisant.
“To date I have raised £12,600 and hope to reach £13,500,” he said.
“So many people donate generously for charities throughout the year, but if any good can come of this tragedy, and in memory of our beautiful baby boy Jude, I will be so grateful for any help to raise much needed funds to assist
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Money raised from Stephen’s challenge is being donated to Tommy’s Baby charity for research into stillbirth prevention. He’s also raffling boxing memorabilia signed by former champs including Steve Collins, Ricky Hatton and John Conteh.
Donations can be made at justgiving.com/Race4Jude. Tickets for the raffle cost €2 and are available by emailing stephen.doran81@hotmail.co.uk.