A WORCESTER dad has been specially selected to be a representative for the Queen's Baton Relay in honour of his late daughters.

Worcester’s Tony Frobisher has been selected to represent the West Midlands by carrying the Queen’s baton through local communities in July when the Queen’s relay comes to the West Midlands ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Tony and his wife Rini’s, triplet daughters Jewel, Louisa and Milla were born 16 weeks premature in 2006.

Jewel died after 17 days and within a year, Milla was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, meaning she required 24-hour care. 

Sadly, Milla died unexpectedly from a sepsis infection while abroad visiting family.

The 53-year-old has dedicated his life to raising vital funds and awareness for Acorns after his family received lifeline support from the charity’s hospice in Worcester.

Worcester News: Tony Frobisher.Tony Frobisher.

Tony said: “It’s taken a little bit of time to sink in.

"It’s only after receiving messages of congratulations from friends and family that you realise how big of a deal it is.

"I’ve never been nominated or selected for anything of this nature, so I was very proud and honoured just to be nominated.

“You don’t do things like fundraising for recognition, you do it because you want to help raise awareness of charities like Acorns as well as pushing yourself.

"So, to actually get recognition at this level came as a real surprise – but it was very welcome. It’s given me a huge boost. It motivates you to want to do more.”

Tony’s role as a batonbearer will fulfil a promise he made to Milla when she died.

He said: “Whenever I’ve done fundraising it’s always been for a number of reasons, obviously the motivation to try and raise as much as I can for charities, in particular, Acorns for their help and support, but also I made a promise to Milla when she passed away that I would always fundraise and do what I could to keep her memory alive.

“So, it’s a really special way to remember both Milla and Jewel.”

Tony will join the other West Midlands runners for the 22 July leg, which falls just five days before his 54th birthday.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for children and young people across the West Midlands as well as support for their families.