THE proud family of a youngster battling a heart condition are hoping to raise cash to support the hospital which helped save his life.

Little Freddie Riley was born eight weeks premature in November 2016 and diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect.

It was five months before he was allowed home to Saffron Way, Tiptree and he has undergone five heart surgeries at the specialist Royal Brompton Hospital in London before his second birthday, with more still to come.

On September 21 last year he was under the knife for more than eight hours for an open heart procedure which is called a full repair.

Now parents Leah and Jack Riley are planning a bash for family and friends at the Crowne Plaza - Five Lakes spa in Tolleshunt Nights to celebrate Freddie's first heart day.

Cash raised at the event - which will include a raffle or auction - will be donated to the hospital's charity the Brompton Fountain. *CORR*

Mum Leah said the family wanted to give something back to the hospital which has helped their little boy - nicknamed Freddie the Fighter - so much.

She said: "They have been brilliant with us - just absolutely brilliant.

"All the staff have been really good.

"The charity helps to raise money for equipment in the unit where Freddie has been.

"They have special stations which can be used to take the babies out for the day or even for an hour and we want to raise more funds to help more people.

"There is also accommodation at the hospital.

"In total we have probably spent two or three months there - paying for a hotel in London for that long doesn't bear thinking about."

Leah said little Freddie has become something of a celebrity in Tiptree and is making progress every day.

She said: "Obviously he is smaller than other babies of his age and he struggles to put on weight because other parts of his body are working harder.

"He is taking a little bit longer to learn to walk and crawl.

"Medicine and technology is so wonderful and advanced but there is only so much they can do.

"Each time they put stents in he will always grow out of them as he gets bigger so we are prepared for more operations.

"He has check ups every four weeks and we aren't able to plan thing too far in advance in case he needs anything quickly.

"But he has become quite well known in Tiptree - it takes me a while to go round the supermarket because everyone want to talk about him."

Leah has reached out to local businesses who might be able to help with raffle or auction prizes and has received help from the Crowne Plaza and Bluebird Garage in Tiptree.

Anyone who can donate prizes is asked to email chad.nugent@newsquest.co.uk.