Rodger Hughes, whose son was born prematurely
(Picture: Supplied)A father whose son was born so prematurely he could have fitted “inside a pint glass” has spoken of his pride in his best friend, who is running seven marathons in seven days to raise funds for parents in a similar situation.
Rodger and Nicola Hughes’s son, Sebastian, weighed 680g (1lb 8oz) when he arrived four months early in October 2013.
He has since faced complications including cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and two holes in the heart.
Mr Hughes, 51, a running coach from Berkshire, said: “Sebastian was so tiny he could have sat inside a pint glass. Technically, he’s been declared dead five times but just keeps coming back for more.”
This month Mr Hughes’s best friend, Oliver Thompson, 53, is taking on the 183-mile marathon challenge to raise money for Ready Seb Go, a charity set up by Mr Hughes which supports parents with premature babies, and the Hospice of St Francis, Berkamsted.
Sebastian, now eight, has had 12 operations and is doing well at school and at home but cerebral palsy means he struggles with his writing, eating and balance.
Mr Hughes said: “Considering how small he was, he’s a big guy now. Sebastian’s an incredible fella. What Olly is doing for him is an incredible feat of endurance.”
Watford Chamber of Commerce put together the route and hydration stops for Mr Thompson to follow from Saturday, April 23.
He aims to run one marathon a day, staying along the way at a different Jury’s Inn, the hotel chain who are sponsoring him by donating rooms.
Mr Thompson, from Watford, will donate half the money raised to The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted, who cared for his “inspirational” sister Sarah when she was diagnosed with cancer at 29.
She died three years later aged 32 in 1992, leaving a devastated family, husband Tony and three-year-old daughter Maisie.
Mr Thompson, who has been in training for two years, said: “Losing Sarah taught me that life is to be enjoyed and experienced to the full. I also saw the true value of what many hospitals, hospices and individuals provide.
“Rodger’s a good mate of mine. He and Nicola are just two people going through a catastrophic situation, so we need to learn to support each other.”
- Donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/punisher7x7
