Supporter Spotlight - Ben

Did you know -  10% of babies are born preterm each year in the UK?

Ben, now 25, was born at 29 weeks weighing 3lb 13oz.  After his mother was admitted to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, not expecting to delivery her baby 11 weeks early, it soon became apparent that she needed a caesarean.   After Ben was born he was placed in the special care baby unit where he remained for the first six weeks of his life.  Ben's progress relied heavily on the care he was given by staff on the unit as well as access to specialist equipment.  

"My mother" describes Ben, "spent those first weeks by my side.  Not long after that we transitioned into the special family unit."

Ben has marked 2024 as a special year and has set himself the challenge of running the London Marathon, his first ever marathon!  The money he raises will be donated to New Life Special Care Babies, to help other special care babies.  "I am incredibly lucky to be able to raise money for the charity" explains Ben.  "All those years ago, another baby was born prematurely that very same night at 28 weeks but unfortunately didn’t survive. I and my parents are forever grateful for the special care I received.  I am running the London Marathon so I can give back to Trevor and the team at New life because without their hard work and extreme generosity I may not have been here today"

To donate to Ben's Marathon Challenge, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/ben-piper-newlife