Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In May 2013 I underwent open heart surgery (Pulmonary Valve Replacement and Tricuspid Valve Repair along with a bonus fistula removal for good measure!) as a result of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis.

Having grown up with this condition (and under going a few procedures from 18 months old and upwards!) I am fully aware of the strains and stresses this can put on the family of a child suffering from a heart disease or defect throughout the course of child hood and into adolescence.

I've decided to run (Or should that be jog, walk and crawl!) the Mens Health survival of the Fittest 10KM Rat race in Manchester in November to raise money for the Children's Heart Federation who do an excellent job of providing support to Families dealing with congenital heart disease. I don't expect to post any new record times on this run, but I'm hoping just getting to the finish will help me raise some money for an excellent cause and to prove that growing up with congenital heart disease doesn't discount you from a happy, healthy adult hood.

The MH Survival of the fittest rat race is a grueling 10k urban assault course, requiring me to run, jump swim and climb over various obstacles (Because just running 10KM would be boring!). There is even a bonus swim across the canal included for good measure.

I'll be keeping my blog up to date with my training, fund raising and eventual race results.