Vet Luke Harris to run Greenham Common half-marathon on February 25 for prematurely born son and New Life charity

A veterinary surgeon will be taking part in Greenham Common’s first-ever half marathon for his baby son who was born prematurely last year.

Luke Harris, along with his wife Emily, are part of the 18-strong team of runners from The Veterinary Hospital in Hungerford who will be taking part in the Greenham Common Half Marathon and 10K event next month.

The event, which takes place on Sunday, February 25, will be in support of New Life Special Care Babies, a Berkshire-based charity dedicated to raising money for special care baby units across the UK.

Mr Harris said: “Teddy, born six weeks early in February 2023, needed specialised care at the neonatal unit in The Great Western Hospital, Swindon.

“Whilst on the neonatal unit, Teddy was placed in a hot cot which kept his body temperature stable and gave him the greatest opportunity for growth in his first few weeks.

“We are immensely grateful for the care he received, and by raising funds for New Life, we hope to assist other families facing similar situations.”

New Life has funded hot cots for several hospitals and continues to fund specialist neonatal equipment for local hospitals including the Great Western in Swindon.

Mr and Mrs Harris and the team from The Veterinary Hospital are aiming to raise £1,000 for New Life.

The running event has now sold out, with 300 participants preparing to run across the common past iconic local landmarks such as the fire plane, the nuclear bunkers and the control tower.

Housing developer Bloor Homes will be sponsoring the eco-friendly wooden medals and David Lloyd Newbury will be sponsoring the trophies.

Further information on the race, including sponsoring and volunteering opportunities, can be found at https://www.greenhamcommonhalfmarathon.com/

New Life founder Trevor Goodall set up the organisation in 1995 after his twin boys Joshua and Samuel died after being born prematurely.

Mr Goodall articulated the charity’s mission: “To provide premature and very sick babies with the best start in life.”

With a track record of raising more than £1.5m and benefiting more than 20 neonatal units, New Life has positively impacted the lives of over 1,000 premature babies.