Greenham Common Half Marathon and 10K Event raises £20k for New Life Special Care Babies which donates life-saving medical equipment to hospitals across the UK

Greenham Common was filled with runners, volunteers and spectators on the weekend who all came together to take part in the first ever Greenham Common Half Marathon and 10K Event.

On Sunday morning, 500 runners took to the muddy fields and paths of the historic common land to race against one another and raise vital money for an important local charity.

New Life Special Care Babies—a charitable organisation dedicated to providing neo-natal equipment to special care baby units across the UK—organised the day’s event which raised £20,000.

This money will form a significant part of the £30,000 cost of a neonatal ventilator for the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading which New Life will be buying shortly.

New Life founder Trevor Goodall said: “I was blown away by the support and interest for this event, especially as it was the first one.

“The camaraderie and excitement was palpable with all runners and volunteers.

“A special thank you to our volunteers, sponsors, event director Mark Hayes, and the team from Racing Line Running.

“The new ventilator we will buy shortly for Royal Berks is going to make such a difference.”

New Life thought Sunday’s event was a “complete success” and the charity is already looking towards a second edition of the race next year. It is hoping to include a 5km race in 2025.

If you were involved on Sunday and would like to share your story and some photos, please email cameron.blackshaw@newburynews.co.uk

To find out more about the race day, its participants and the story behind New Life, pick up this Thursday’s Newbury Weekly News and keep an eye on newburytoday later this week.