A YOUNG runner born 13 weeks prematurely has completed the gruelling Frostbite League – and his mother has thanked the hospital unit that saved his life 10 years ago.

A YOUNG runner born 13 weeks prematurely has completed the gruelling Frostbite League – and his mother has thanked the hospital unit that saved his life 10 years ago.

Maxwell Sandever spent more than three months in Hinchingbrooke Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in 2001, after being born at just 26 weeks’ gestation.

Thanks to round-the-clock care from the unit’s dedicated team, he was nursed to health and was allowed home for the first time a week after his due date, in May.

Now a keen runner with Riverside Runners in St Neots, Maxwell has this winter completed all six races of the Frostbite League for juniors. His family has thanked the SCBU staff who helped him become a healthy and happy 10-year-old.

Maxwell’s mother Liz Hiner, of Norfolk Road, Huntingdon, said: “Maxwell’s story does show there is a very positive future for babies being born so early.

“Despite his prematurity he was relatively healthy and has been left without any lasting difficulties.

“I am so grateful to all the staff at the special care baby unit and the fantastic work that they did to help Maxwell become a healthy and active 10-year-old.

“When you are in that situation, you are in their hands and you have to trust them. And they are amazing.”

Maxwell thanked the unit after finishing the sixth and final race of the winter league. He added: “I love running, and I’m glad the hospital looked after me.”

INFORMATION: A Black and White Ball is being held at the Marriott Hotel on April 2 in aid of The Hunts Post’s New Life Appeal for SCBU. Though the event is sold-out, you can still take part in the Black and White Ball auction by sending your name, address, telephone number and maximum bid to editor@huntspost.co.uk. Terms and conditions are available at www.huntspost24.co.uk