Caleb will take part in the race dressed as his hero, Spiderman

A toddler who was born weighing just over 800g is taking part in the Mini Great South Run this Saturday as his dad says he is an "inspiration" and has “flourished” after his traumatic birth.

Caleb Dawkins, form Gosport, was born at just 26 weeks on September 24, 2023. He weighed just 836g, less than a bag of sugar. After he was born, he spent weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, battling jaundice, bronchiolitis, stomach infections and sepsis.

However, the three year old is now “full of energy” after making leaps and bounds in his development. “Caleb has flourished,” said his dad, Reuben Dawkins.

Caleb was born three months premature | Reuben Dawkins

“In the NICU he has respiratory issues and sepsis, he overcame so much.

“Now he does swimming lessons and recently started kickboxing.

“The running came about because he wanted to run with me, so we just started going around the block together.

“He enjoyed it so we just decided to give it a go at a Parkrun in Stokes Bay.”

The minimum registration and participation age for parkrun is four years old, so Caleb cannot officially register for a race time, but after a nervous start, is going the distance with his new love of running.

Caleb and his dad, Reuben | Reuben Dawkins

Mr Dawkins said: “The first time he was really excited but there was a lot of people and he wanted me to carry him.

“The second time we went he ran about a kilometre. He has a positive association with running which is important for a lifetime.

“He loves it and it's good bonding for me and him.”

Caleb is now registered to participate in the AJ Bell Mini Great South Run, a 1.4km race across Southsea Common. He and his dad will complete the race dressed as his favourite superhero, Spiderman.

Caleb and Reuben will run the race dressed as Spiderman | Reuben Dawkins

“I don’t know what I am going to get, is he going to run all of the way or will he be nervous of the environment,” said Mr Dawkins.

“He absolutely loves spiderman, we go dressed as spiderman to Comicon. I am hoping the excitement will help him to push himself.”

Caleb still suffers from some health problems, and spent his third birthday in Queen Alexander hospital after struggling with respiratory problems.

“It was quite worrying,” said Mr Dawkins.

“I am grateful to Sophie’s Legacy who gave him some birthday presents to cheer him up. Thankfully, he recovered quite quickly and he did a park run a few days after.

“Caleb has overcome so much. He inspires me and he is my hero.”