Members of two families devastated by the tragically similar deaths of their young sons found comfort in each other at a fun run on Saturday.

Bushey couple Pam and Lee Tomkins' son, James, died aged just 20 days old from a Group B Streptococcus infection, manifested in the form of meningitis, on April 28 of this year.

Lee, of Vale Road, entered The Big Fun Run, in Cassiobury Park, in a bid to distract himself from the grief he described as “so profound, it is impossible to articulate verbally or in writing”.

His wife Pam, an NHS project manager, said: “The run went really well. We didn't want to be there on that day though – we should have been at home looking after our little boy. It was a positive thing to do and hopefully it will start a ripple effect in terms of awareness.”

An article in the Watford Observer last month, telling the couple's story, caught the attention of Ali Shah, whose son, Mujtabah-Ali, also died aged 20 days old from the same infection, four years ago.

He decided to enter the fun run as well and the two families ended up meeting face-to-face at the five-kilometre run.

Both raised money for charity Group B Strep Support but said the most important thing was to raise awareness of the infection that affects up to 700 babies a year.

Of those affected, up to 75 do not survive and another 40 are left with with serious long-term mental or physical problems.

Ali, of The Gateway, Watford, said: “It was nice to share the experiences of our downfall with someone who understands. We have been through the same thing and that pain never goes away. It was just good to speak with someone else who knows what you've been through.”

Ali and his family raised more than £1,100 in just more than a week while the Tomkins', along with nine friends and family who joined Lee in the run, gathered more than £5,000.

Pam added: “The run has been a huge focus for us and we will now have to get on and focus on something else. I think we achieved our aim of raising some awareness but it is something we are passionate about and will not be stopping here.”