A man inspired to run to raise money in memory of his brother, who was stillborn 26 years ago, is also determined to break the silence that often surrounds baby loss.

Greg Bradbury, who lives in Stevenage, ran his first half marathon on Sunday, having taken up running in January with Stevenage Striders.

He crossed the finish line of the Perkins Great Eastern Run in Peterborough after 1:51.53, marking the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week.

It’s all part of his training for the London Landmarks Half Marathon on March 24, which he will be running for Tommy’s - a charity which funds research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

Greg, 34, said: “Tommy’s is a charity close to my heart and I will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in honour of my young brother Aron, who my mum lost six months into her pregnancy.

“Raising awareness and funds for this charity is very important as they do so much work in trying to prevent miscarriages, stillbirths and many other pregnancy issues.

“I also want to break the stigma attached to talking about baby loss.”

Greg’s mum, Alison, who also lives in Stevenage, said: “My son was stillborn on July 1, 1992. There was even less awareness then and I wasn’t even able to see my baby.

“I had to go to counselling and found it difficult when my other children asked where the baby was.

“I’m very proud of Greg for raising awareness, as well as funds for Tommy’s, in Aron’s memory.”

Greg, who will also be taking part in the Stevenage Half Marathon on November 4, said he initially took up running to improve his health.

“I was unfit and needed to do something about it,” he said. “I started with training once a week and a parkrun on a Saturday.

“I quickly got the buzz for running, and joining Stevenage Striders gave me the confidence I needed, with a great team and great team spirit.

“The conditions for the Peterborough half marathon were not ideal, with continuous rain throughout, but it was a good training run ahead of my charity run for Tommy’s next year.”

To sponsor Greg, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/greg-bradbury2