When Candice and Steven Rosenbaum were told one of their twins may die at birth, their hearts were broken.
Nothing could have prepared the Pinner couple for the devastating news that they may lose a child.
But thanks to a miracle and their refusal to give up hope their two little boys were brought into the world fit and healthy and are now two years old.
Grateful Candice and Steven say their experience has opened their eyes to the plight many parents face and have been compelled to raise money for a children's charity.
Last week the couple handed over £23,000 to Keech Cottage Children's Hospice, which supports families caring for children who are likely to die before reaching adulthood.
Candice, 38, of Paines Lane, Pinner, said: "At 24 weeks we went for a scan and the consultant told me there was a problem with one of our twins.
"We were referred to a leading hospital which deals with sick babies and a specialist explained the likely outcomes. Our baby would be brain damaged, disabled or his lifespan limited if he even survived.
"It was totally devastating. My husband and I discussed it over and over and decided we had to invest in the bigger baby and let God decide the fate of the other.
"We wouldn't know for sure until they were born if the smaller baby was going to be okay."
At 34 weeks their doctor said he was staggered that the little fighter had clung on so long and the couple prepared for the birth date.
The mother-of-three, who has lived in Pinner for 14 years, said: "The two boys were born weighing 5lbs and 3lbs. I couldn't help but cry. I could tell he was determined to be here though. I knew it when I held him and he looked into my eyes."
To raise funds for the hospice Candice and Steven organised a Cuban boat party which cruised up the Thames and featured a performance by Strictly Come Dancing stars Ola and James Jordan.
Candice, who also has a four-year-old daughter, said: "The experience has made me feel more empathetic and I am a very grateful parent. When you realise what can go wrong, it starts to make you wonder how anybody makes it safely into this life.
"We began investigating hospices and came across Keech Cottage in Hertfordshire. It is the most amazing facility and so loving and comforting to those who need it.
"We will be planning future events but feel that we can never give enough back for the blessings that we have been given."
