Millionaire reveals shattering moment a doctor told him he COULDN’T be the father of three adored boys he had raised for 21 years
Richard Mason pictured with his ex wife and three sons thebritishherald
The walls of Richard Mason’s study are crowded with photographs of three tousle-haired boys caught at the milestone moments of their young lives.
Like any father, he cherishes these precious reminders of holidays, family celebrations and the school years during which his sons grew into adulthood.
But after 21 years that paternal pride was suddenly shattered – replaced by profound sorrow and a burning sense of betrayal.
In 2016, he was told that it was medically impossible for him to have fathered the sons he loved – and still loves.
The news came at the cruellest possible moment while he was reeling from the shock of being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a life-limiting condition that effectively meant Richard, 55, was living on borrowed time.
‘It’s like suffering a bereavement, it’s incredible, but in a way it’s even worse than that because it goes to the very heart of who you think you are. When someone asks you about your background, you tell them you’re the father of three children – it’s how you define yourself.
‘In an instant I discovered I didn’t really have any children.
‘You begin to question everything you thought you knew when such a fundamental pillar of your life is suddenly removed.’
