Non-stop strategy to put hospital in pole position

RARING to go: teacher Gareth Mawson is gearing up to run a marathon around Silverstone

A TEACHER who owes his life to specialist NHS care is hoping to fast-track a substantial amount of cash into the Royal Oldham Hospital’s In Your Hands appeal.

Kind-hearted Gareth Mawson, formerly of Shaw, is hoping to boost funds by racing 13 miles — on foot — around Silverstone race track in Northamptonshire.

The 28-year-old will run almost four laps of the three-and-a-half-mile circuit at the home of British motorsport as part of the Adidas Silverstone Half-Marathon on March 11.

The appeal is looking to raise £200,000 for the new purpose-built women and children’s super centre at the Royal Oldham, including a new neonatal unit, due for completion in December.

Gareth, who now lives in Somerset, said: “When I was born I experienced complications due to a lack of oxygen to my brain.

“As a result, I spent the first days of my life inside an incubator. I was given a 50/50 chance of survival, with a 50/50 chance of suffering severe disabilities even if I did pull through.

“I’m pleased to say that I beat the odds thanks to the staff and resources on the special care baby unit at Birch Hill Hospital in Rochdale.

“Recently, the unit moved from Rochdale to the Royal Oldham. I am so grateful to all the staff who worked in the unit at the time, and would like to give something back by raising money for the appeal.

“It’s so important that other poorly babies get the help and support they need to have a happy and healthy life.”

The In Your Hands appeal was launched in February, 2011, by “Coronation Street” favourite Jennie McAlpine who plays new mum Fiz Stape.

Money from the appeal will go towards additional equipment to enhance the women and children’s unit, currently under construction at The Royal Oldham.

Once the new development is complete, the Royal Oldham will be one of three regional centres providing the highest level of intensive care to the smallest and most vulnerable babies.

To make a donation, visit www.pat.nhs.uk/inyourhands or call 0161-918 4497.

To sponsor Gareth, go to www.justgiving.com/garethmawsonrunning.