Youngster inspired by Aware+ training takes on parkrun challenge

Nine-year-old Harrison has set himself an ambitious fundraising challenge for 2026 after being inspired by Aware+ training delivered at his Trowbridge primary school.

Harrison is running a different parkrun in Wiltshire and Bath every single month throughout 2026, completing 60 kilometres in total, to raise money for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity. He has so far completed eight parkruns and fundraised £483, surpassing his original target of £250.

Aware+ training is delivered by the Charity across local communities and schools, giving people the knowledge and confidence to act in a medical emergency before an ambulance arrives.

Alex Winchcombe, Aware+ trainer at Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, visited Harrison’s class and was delighted to see the impact the session had.

Alex said: “When we go into schools, we are not only delivering potentially lifesaving training, but also helping young people understand the vital work we do across Wiltshire and Bath.

“It is fantastic that Harrison felt inspired by the Aware+ programme to take on such a big challenge. We rely on the support of our communities, whether that is through raising awareness or fundraising, and committing to run parkruns across the year is an incredible achievement for someone so young.”

Leading up to Air Ambulance Week on 7 - 13 September, Alex will also be joining Harrison at Chippenham parkrun on 5 September to show her support and gratitude.

Harrison said: “This challenge is really important to me and I’m so enjoying it. I’m excited to raise lots of money for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance as it is such a great charity. It’s been brilliant to visit lots of different parkruns and really challenge myself and my running too.”

Harrison’s dad Anthony adds: “We’re so proud of Harrison’s commitment and enthusiasm for his challenge. 5k is a long way when you’re eight (now nine, following his birthday) and he’s run in heat, puddles as deep as his knees and all sorts of different terrain - not always finding it easy but always with a positive attitude and recognising the importance of why he is fundraising. We’ve also all been so touched by the support and unwavering kindness of the parkrun communities we’ve visited, it’s meant a lot. Harrison’s hoping for another PB by the end of the year and is excited to be close to doubling his original fundraising target.”

To support his challenge, Harrison has built his own website where supporters can follow his running progress and fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Anyone wishing to support Harrison in his generous fundraising can do so here: https://anthonybrooks.online/harrisons-parkrun-challenge/

Every donation will help Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity continue to be there for people across Wiltshire and Bath, when they need it most.