AS godmothers to each others’ children, it would be expected that these two mums would have a special bond.

But friends Rebecca Clarke and Rachel Payne share something that’s both remarkable and heart-warming.

Both their baby sons have had to fight for their life and needed urgent care from the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Now both mums will join the Oxford Mail’s OX5 Run to raise cash for the unit that cared so well for their sons.

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Mrs Clarke’s 11-month-old son Remy was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital with a temperature in July this year.

He was diagnosed with potentially fatal meningitis and sepsis.

After almost a month in intensive care, surgery for fluid on the brain and time spent at the Robins Ward, Remy is on the mend but still receives home care from the Children’s Hospital.

Nursery manager Mrs Clarke, who lives in Stratton Audley near Bicester, said: “I just feel we need to say thank you. We gave them chocolates and a card but it wasn’t enough.

“We want to do anything we can for the hospital, it’s such an amazing place.”

The 29-year-old added: “The nurses, play specialists, physios and all the staff were re-assuring and caring.

“It’s hard to put into words how they’ve helped us, I don’t know where we would be without them, I don’t want to think about it.”

Self-employed Rachel Payne’s 20-month-old son Ralph spent a week in the special care baby unit at the John Radcliffe after being unable to breathe on his own after he was born.

Ralph is now in perfect health and his 31-year-old mum, who lives in Bicester, said it was time to give back to the hospital.

She said: “Had it not been for the children’s hospital neither me nor Becky would have our children.

“It’s high time we did something for them. When I was in the maternity unit and Ralph was in intensive care the staff and nurses were amazing in looking after both of us.”

The pair are assembling a team of 10 to take on the Blenheim Palace run on March 29 next year to raise as much money as possible.

Mrs Clarke said: “Any amount of money can help. When Remy was in intensive care he couldn’t move at all, and just having a TV and music on was really helpful.”

Children’s hospital spokeswoman Sarah Vaccari, said: “It’s great to hear that Remy and Ralph are doing so well now, and we are thrilled that their families have come together to take part in the OX5 Run.

“This five-mile event is our biggest annual fundraiser and allows us to buy some very special medical equipment that we simply wouldn’t have without fundraising, making a difference to children like Remy and Ralph.”

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