In June 2014 our son, Alex was born with a dangerous congenital heart defect called TAPVC. At five days old he underwent life-saving open heart surgery at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Surgeons were able to correct the problem with Alex's heart but three months later a scan revealed he would need further surgery for the condition. He was admitted to the hospital for a second heart operation in September. Today Alex is a thriving, happy little boy and the doctors are delighted with his progress.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the staff at the Children's Heart Unit, whose world-class care certainly saved Alex's life. We spent more than six weeks at the unit during Alex's two operations and saw at first hand the extraordinary, dedicated work that goes on there. 

We want to give something back, so this year we're running the Great North Run as a family to raise money for CHUF - the charity that supports the Children's Heart Unit.

We are:

Andrew (Alex’s dad), Grandad Graham, Aunty Gail, Uncle Danny and Uncle Kevin

Last September we watched the Great North Run from Alex's hospital bed. This year he'll be there to cheer us across the finish line. Please help us raise as much money as possible for this wonderful cause!

Team members:

Andrew Liddle

Graham Liddle

Gail Liddle

Daniel Pyrah

Kevin Coles