Newport dad races for son - weeks after brain op (From South Wales Argus)

Newport dad races for son - weeks after brain op

4:30pm Monday 4th March 2013 in Gwent news

A NEWPORT dad has taken part in a charity fun run for his severely disabled son – just weeks after undergoing major brain surgery.

RAF engineer Anthony Hard, 33, completed a 1km route for disabled people while 150 others took part in the full 5km run in Newport on Saturday, in aid of 14-month-old Casey Hard from Coedkernew, who was born with severe brain damage.

Organiser Claire Hutchison said: “It went really well. Some people didn’t turn up, but lots of other people who we weren’t expecting came and took part, so it worked out well.

“We’re not sure yet how much has been raised, but we’re hoping it will be around a couple of thousand pounds. I’ll be collecting the sponsorship money in this week.”

Nahella and Anthony Hard, who also have a daughter Reagan, nine, were told in January last year their son has severe brain damage.

The family have had a difficult time since Casey was born in November 2011. Dad Anthony, an RAF aircraft engineer, had surgery last year after doctors found a brain tumour just days after his son was born. He will begin chemotherapy this month, following his second operation.

Organiser Claire, a family friend and former neighbour, said: “It’s been terrible for them. This money will go into Casey’s trust fund to pay for whatever the next thing he needs.”

The warm-up was led by Newport gym instructor Sherrie Phillips, while local doormen provided security for the event. Runners were given T-shirts emblazoned with ‘running for Casey,’ donated by Newport Sewing Centre.