Ballynahinch family fundraiser in memory of little twin boys

Ballynahinch family fundraiser in memory of little twin boys

4 June 2025

A BALLYNAHINCH family has raised over £3,000 for the Ulster Hospital’s Forget Me Not Bereaved Focus Group in memory of little twin boys.

During last month’s Belfast Marathon, Barrie Bogues and his brother Paul and friend Mark McCormick pounded the streets of the city.

Four years ago, Barrie and his wife Samantha suffered unimaginable heartbreak when they lost their boys Alexander and Gabriel.

Motivated by the painful loss, Barrie, Paul and Mark took on the 26.2 mile challenge to help ensure that other families facing similar heartbreak receive the care, compassion and support they need.

Samantha said she was very proud of the trio for all the effort they put into the day and how the Bogues family wanted to “give back to the Forget Me Not Group as they were brilliant to us when we lost our twin boys.”

The young mum said Ulster Hospital bereavement midwives Susan Stitt and Jacqueline Dorrian were “brilliant” to the local couple.

“They showed such kindness to myself and Barrie,” said Samantha.

“Susan delivered the boys and was so lovely throughout. When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, I contacted Susan to tell her and she was so helpful in terms of arranging early scans for me which was really reassuring.”

Samantha described how the Bogues family attend the annual Forget Me Not fun days as a way to connect with other families who have experienced the pain and loss of losing their baby before or after birth.

And she said how proud the family was to watch Barrie, Paul and Mark cross the finish line on marathon race day. 

“We were all so proud and happy that we were able to raise £3,650 for the Forget Me Not Group,” she added.

Susan and Jacqueline thanked the Bogues family for its very kind donation towards the group.

They added: “We are very grateful to receive this generous amount which will go towards helping bereaved families. 

“We really appreciate the effort that Barrie, Paul and Mark went to in completing the Belfast Marathon and to everyone who contributed. Thank you all.”