A DAD is to run a half marathon in aid of the hospital which saved his poorly son.

Tom Barker, who lives in Broad Road, Braintree, has a son who was born last year with a heart defect.

Tom is raising money for the Brompton Fountain charity who looked after his son, Teddy who underwent lifesaving surgery at just three days old.

Tom is fundraising to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London in less than two hours.

Tom’s son Teddy, now almost a year old, was born with a coarctation, a narrowing of the aorta, the main artery in the human body.

At just three days old, Teddy underwent life saving surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital following his birth on Saturday July 23rd 2016.

Teddy stayed in hospital for another four days before being allowed home, and although healthy, has holes in his heart which cause him to struggle taking on fluids.

This means he must have further surgery to close the holes when he is a toddler.

Teddy is now healthy but Dad Tom said it’s likely he will need the operation in two or three years.

Tom said:"From the day the defect was identified at Broomfield during our 20 week scan, through Teddy's birth, surgery, aftercare and now regular follow-up appointments, the level of care received, both by Teddy and ourselves as his parents, from the Royal Brompton has been amazing.

"The support that has been offered to us through the Brompton Fountain has also been invaluable, and a lifeline to families with children being treated at the Royal Brompton.

"Teddy is one tough cookie!"

This October, Tom will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon and he will be supported on the day by Teddy’s mother, his girlfriend Naomi Andrews, his son Finlay, his dad, siblings and friends.

Tom said: “The training has been going okay, the hot weather hasn't helped much, but I try and go out at least three times a week for a five-mile run, but I will ramp this up further in August and September.”

The Royal Parks Half Marathon takes place on Saturday October 8 in London and involves running a half marathon around the perimeter of various royal parks.

http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Tom-Barker14