Banbury mum takes part in Butterfly Bimble 4K fundraising event to celebrate her son’s life

Stephanie Tombling and her husband James from Banbury will take part in the Butterfly Bimble on Sunday May 23, to celebrate their son Zachary’s life, who is cared for by Helen & Douglas House, and to help raise money for the local charity.

The Butterfly Bimble is a 4K family springtime walk on the Blenheim Palace Estate to celebrate a life and remember someone you have loved and lost or celebrate someone’s life who is still living like Zachary.

Zachary, aged 3, loves going to Helen & Douglas House hospice in Oxford for short breaks to give his parents a break from 24/7 care. Zachary really enjoys doing craft activities like making his Mother’s Day gifts, which he did in the sensory room on the water bed or splashing about in the pool.

Stephanie said: "We are so grateful to have access to Helen & Douglas House. Having a child that is terminally ill with Menkes disease and is severely disabled as a result, is extremely difficult.

"Our priorities in life have completely changed and the most important thing now is to ensure that Zachary has the most fulfilling, happy life possible for however long that may be.

"Over the past few years, the team at Helen & Douglas House have made us feel extremely welcome and know Zachary very well. They offer us much needed respite, and Zachary always has an amazing time. In fact we are convinced that most of the time he doesn't want to come home.

"Helen & Douglas House is such an amazing facility, and we are so fortunate to have access to it. We are able to leave our beautiful boy for a short stay knowing he is receiving the best care and attention as he would at home. This allows us to have a worry-free break from our hectic lives, and helps us to come back to our boy feeling refreshed.

"We have decided to take part in the Butterfly Bimble to celebrate Zachary's life and all his achievements to date. We are also doing it for Helen & Douglas House to let the team know how much we appreciate them."

The event also raises money for Helen & Douglas House. You can walk with friends and family through the Blenheim Palace Estate, to remember or celebrate your loved ones.

Tickets are £10 (under 10s free) with a free T-shirt to wear on the day and a medal, which you can personalise with the name of the person you are remembering.

Julia Woodcock from Helen & Douglas House said: "We have had a wonderful response to this event with over 180 people already signed up to take part already including many of the families we care for like Zachary’s.

"This event will of course be Covid compliant to ensure everyone’s safety. Once families and friends have completed the Butterfly Bimble first thing in the morning, they can stay and enjoy the wonderful grounds at Blenheim Palace and the Pleasure Gardens for the rest of the day so it is a great day out. The money raised through this event will help local families get through this difficult time and beyond."