A MOTHER will run 65 miles to support the “incredible” people that helped the family when her newborn son died.

Worcester’s Andrea McCartney discovered when pregnant that one of her twins would not survive due to a rare chest condition.

She decided to carry both to full-term for the safety of her other baby and gave birth by Caesarean section to Kit and her daughter Minnie in June 2023.

Her son died two hours later and now Andrea is to run the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge on May 3 and 4 with friend Ruth Busby to raise money for the Worcestershire Royal Hospital bereavement suite with more than £7,000 already donated.

Andrea, who works as a wedding and portrait photographer, said: “Just over 18 months ago my husband Bill and I sailed our way through some extremely stormy seas when we lost our precious son.

“Our little man Kit Cooper McCartney did us proud in all honesty.

“Medical professionals have subsequently told us that it was nothing short of a miracle that he managed to survive and give us two incredibly special hours together as a family.

“We are forever grateful for his fighting spirit.

“In an effort to make him proud and pay back some of the incredible individuals and organisations that helped us navigate the greatest challenge of our lives, my amazing friend Ruth and I have decided to run the ultramarathon in the hope of raising awareness and much-needed funds for the bereavement suite at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

“This endeavour will see us attempt to run 106 kilometres together around the Isle of Wight in one day.

“Please may I ask that as many of you as possible spare literally whatever you can to support me in thanking these absolutely vital services.

“I will be grateful for anything you can donate.

“Without the kindness, support and unconditional understanding that these ‘actual’ angels on earth provide, my family and many more like mine would have no doubt been quickly swallowed up by the insurmountable grief of our individual, unavoidable circumstance.”

Minnie was in hospital for two weeks with breathing problems but is now doing well.

Andrea added: “The maternity bereavement team are specialist midwives who support families who suffer baby loss.

“The team are there to provide practical support, create special memories for families and ensure they have the support they need going forward.

“The support and kindness they showed us will stay with us forever. We can’t thank the team enough.”

The challenge can be supported at www.justgiving.com/page/andrea-ruth-106k-4kit.