A nine-year-old Trowbridge schoolboy is running a different parkrun across Wiltshire and Bath every month throughout 2026 after being inspired by lifesaving training delivered at his primary school.
Harrison has set himself the challenge of completing 12 different parkruns, covering a total of 60km, to raise money for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity. He has already completed eight parkruns and raised £483, well beyond his original £250 target.
The idea came after Harrison took part in an Aware+ training session at his Trowbridge primary school. The programme is delivered by Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity in schools and communities across the region, teaching people the knowledge and confidence they need 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 said she was delighted to see the impact the session had made.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Ahead of Air Ambulance Week, which runs from 7-13 September, Alex will join Harrison at Chippenham parkrun on 5 September to show her support.
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 began his challenge aged eight and has continued through heat, deep puddles and a variety of challenging terrain.
His dad Anthony said, “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.
“He’s not always found it easy but has always had a positive attitude and recognised 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.”
Harrison has also built his own website where supporters can follow his running progress and contribute to his fundraising.
To support Harrison’s challenge, visit https://anthonybrooks.online/harrisons-parkrun-challenge/
Every donation will help Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity continue its lifesaving work across the region.
