A baby is born with a serious heart condition every two hours in the UK and despite congenital heart disease (CHD) being one of the biggest killers of infants, only around half of congenital heart defects are picked up during routine prenatal scanning.

At our routine 20-week scan, we heard the words that no parent ever wants to hear: “There’s a problem with your baby’s heart.” We were referred to Leicester Royal Infirmary where they confirmed that our baby boy has a severe congenital heart disease, requiring life-saving open heart surgery when he is born.

Receiving this news was and still is absolutely heartbreaking, but with the support from the Tiny Tickers charity, we are remaining positive and hopeful for our little boy.

Tiny Tickers raise money to provide specialist training to sonographers doing 20-week pregnancy scans – the best chance to spot most heart problems before birth. We are so grateful that our baby’s CHD was picked up at our scan, meaning that he can get the best care straightaway. Tiny Tickers also place pulse oximetry machines in maternity units across the UK, which is life saving equipment.

As well as this, they help families that receive a diagnosis of CHD, supporting them along each step of their journey. Their family support packs and resources help families to understand the diagnosis of CHD and what may happen during a hospital stay with their baby. They have a wonderfully supportive community for parents to access in their peer support groups and Facebook parents group. These communities enable parents and carers of babies and children with heart conditions to find support and encouragement from one another, as well as share their experiences. Their family support webinars are another way they provide advice and support to heart families when they need it most.

With your help, Tiny Tickers can provide a safety net for the 1,000 babies each year that leave hospital with their heart defect undetected, increasing detection rates, improving a baby’s chances of survival and long-term quality of life.

By Steve running the 10K alongside our wonderful family and friends, we hope to raise and spread awareness of CHD as well as raising money for this incredible charity.

A special mention to Fiona Webster, Richard Webster, Nicky Webster, Joey Walukiewicz, Joe Tobin, John Lavelle, Jonny McClements, Pete Sanderson, Dan McCardell, Grant Hudson, Alex Matthews, Sam Pooley, Robert Cook, Subhani Cook, Pete Cook, Cameron Heap, Oliver Blanchard, Tia Sharp, Rory McCracken, Daniel Swain, Millie Clark, Lucy Gourlay, Claire Martin and Susan Tobin who will be running the 10k with Steve.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story.

Ruth and Steve x