❤️DANIEL SMITH - CHESTER MARATHON - October 11th 2026 ❤️

Daniel will be running the Chester Marathon in October in aid of the wonderful Leicester based charity, Heart Link. Please read our family’s story and why this charity is so important to Daniel and Lara

This will be Dan’s first ever marathon, so please follow along for training updates and help us support Heart Link ❤️

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We are parents to two beautiful daughters, both of whom were diagnosed with congenital heart defects at just four months old. Suddenly, we became part of a club no one ever imagines joining: heart parents.

We count ourselves incredibly fortunate. Both girls received early diagnoses and thanks to the medical magicians will live full, healthy, active and long lives. We are also deeply grateful that the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre is based at our local hospital, the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Our eldest daughter underwent major open-heart surgery at just two years old, celebrating her third birthday in hospital. The care she received was extraordinary, and we will forever be thankful to every single member of the team who supported her — especially her lead surgeon, Mr Saeed and her Consultant, Dr Elteyub.

During the most difficult time of our lives, the charity Heart Link made a huge difference. They provided us with a hotel room at Voco (next to the Tigers), something they routinely offer to parents of children on the cardiac ward. With a nine month old baby to care for as well, having a base so close by meant the world to us.

We also saw first-hand just how much of the medical equipment and support within the ward is funded by Heart Link. From essential medical machines to the fully stocked parent kitchen, fridges, kettles, and even a Disney+ subscription for the ward. Every child receives a goody bag on arrival, complete with a Heart Link teddy bear, and Geoff and Graeme from the charity are always on hand for parents who need someone to talk to.

Even during our relatively short stay, we met families who had been living there for weeks and even months. Thanks to Heart Link, their unimaginable journeys were made just a little more bearable.

We know we’ll be back with our youngest daughter when the time comes, and we want to do everything we can to give back and say thank you.

This central page brings together all our fundraising efforts, including events and contributions from family and friends. Thank you so much for your support.