Norfolk mum’s on the run for neo-natal charity

A mother-of-two will be joining more than 3,000 other runners in the Norwich Half Marathon this weekend to raise money for a charity that helped give her niece the gift of life.

Isla Briggs was just 470 grams when she was born four-months prematurely almost a year ago and only just managed to break through the 5lb barrier at six months old.

The tiny tot still only weighs 11lb, but is now out of hospital thanks to her fighting spirit and the dedication of medical staff who cared for her.

And it is to ensure that medical teams carry on their life-saving work for others like Isla that her aunt, Carey Briggs, 36, from Weston Longville, north of Norwich, has decided to take on the challenge on Sunday.

Mrs Briggs will be raising money for First-Touch charity which helps support neo-natal babies at St George's Hospital in London, where Isla spent some of her early days.

She said: 'What's happened to Isla is nothing short of a miracle given her condition when she was born. We want to be able to give that opportunity to every family.'

Mrs Briggs, a graphic designer, was to be completing the race alongside her husband Jonathan, but he has had to pull out through injury. Jonathan, together with Isla's father Nick, and other brothers Tim and James, last year competed in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in London. They have, to date, raised almost �16,000 for charity and Mrs Briggs, who will be running in a T-shirt with a picture of Isla on, hopes to add at least another �800 from Sunday's run.

Isla's father Nick, 33, a former Notre Dame High School pupil who lived in Taverham for a while and now lives in Surrey with his wife Phi, said he wished his sister-in-law good luck for Sunday's run.

If you would like to support Carey in raising cash for First-Touch log onto http://www.justgiving.com/running-for-Isla

Have you got an inspirational fundraising story? Call Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk