THE parents of a four-year-old girl from York who underwent life-saving heart surgery have raised hundreds of pounds for the British Heart Foundation after completing a 100-mile running challenge.

Vicky and Chris Hearson, of Southbank, began the challenge in May and between them competed in two marathons, two half marathons and six 10K races across England including the Nottingham half marathon, the 14-mile Northumberland Coastal Run, the 24-mile Swaledale Marathon and the 27-mile Kielder Marathon.

Scarlet Hearson was only 22 months old when she underwent open heart surgery to correct an extra chamber in her heart as well as a hole. The condition had initially been blamed on teething by her parents.

Vicky, 35, of Scarcroft Road, said: “We all know someone that’s been affected by heart disease – sadly it touches us all.

“Our daughter Scarlet is now an energetic four-year-old and we wanted to show our gratitude and give something back by raising money for the British Heart Foundation.”

Together Vicky and Chris raised £700 which will help the BHF in its fight against heart and circulatory disease – the nation’s biggest killer. The couple are still accepting donations at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/VickyandChris

Vicky spoke of the moment her daughter’s condition was diagnosed, saying: “She had really red cheeks and she wasn’t eating very well and we thought it was teething.

“We took her to a GP, but he saw a lot more, such as a heart murmur.

“We were told she had to have heart surgery pretty quickly, otherwise it would lead to heart failure.

“Five days later she was admitted and she had her surgery.”

The complicated procedure was carried out at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) and Vicky said within a few weeks, Scarlet was back home and “wrestling” with her older sister, Lara.

Sharon Oakley, BHF fundraising volunteer manager in North Yorkshire, said: “We’d like to thank Vicky and Chris for setting such a fantastic challenge.

“The BHF can only continue its life-saving and life-changing work thanks to money raised from events like this.

“We urgently need more people like the Hearson family to support us. Keep working with us and together we will beat heart disease – for good.”

Families in York can next support the British Heart Foundation by taking part in the annual BHF York Santa Dash, taking place on Sunday December 11 from 9.30am outside York City Rowing Club.

More information and online registration will be available shortly at bhf.org.uk/yorksantajog