STAFF at ABC Day nursery in Bowerhill brightened up Bath Racecourse on Saturday by running Glow in the Park, raising money for three-year-old Harry Kirkman whose family are hoping to hit £60k for a life-changing operation.

Eight members of staff took part in the 5km race – all dressed in fluorescent clothing and make-up.

Denise Coombs, 40, said she couldn’t be more ecstatic with the response from parents at the day nursery.

She added: “It was absolutely brilliant and there was such an atmosphere. We tried to stick together as best as we could and we just took our time. At some points we ran and then walked but I expect we probably galloped at some stage too.

“We wanted to raise as much as we could. We sent out a newsletter to parents with sponsorship forms and we also asked all our friends and families to donate as well.”

While the group tallies up its total, it expects to raise nearly £1,000, which will be put towards raising £60,000 for Harry, who has cerebral palsy.

The Melksham family hope that the money will allow Harry to have a selective dorsal rhizotomy operation, not available in the UK on the NHS, which will reduce the spasticity in his legs and give him the best chance to be able to walk unaided.

Ms Coombs, who has worked at the day nursery for over a year, said: “Harry just takes things in his stride and nothing fazes him.

“I work with Harry on a one-to-one basis at lunchtime and a lot of the time people say that disabled children or children with a condition often feel like they are in a bubble. With Harry though you don’t see that because he is such a character.”

Charlotte Deegan, Harry’s mum, said: “I think the staff are amazing. They do so much for Harry in their day-to-day jobs. Me and Harry's dad think it's wonderful that they thought of our son.”

To donate, text HARY91 and the amount you would like to donate to 70070 or visit www.justgiving.com/helping-harry.