Parent plans race debut to help the charity that gave her family so much support

A mum is to run a gruelling 26 miles to help ease the suffering for families with seriously-ill children. 

Determined Cheryl is to tackle the London Marathon for the charity that was ‘always there’ when her son was diagnosed with a heart defect.  She is digging out her trainers to pound the streets of the capital as she does not want other families to have to cope on their own.  All the money she raises will go to Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) so staff can continue offering families help and advice. 

Mrs Jackson was devastated when doctors told her baby had a heart defect.  Even though the condition is life-threatening, Jack, now two, has been able to lead a happy and healthy life. 

Mrs Jackson, 25, of Latchmore Forest Grove, Cowplain, said she would have struggled to cope without round-the-clock help, advice and support from the national charity. 

She said: “They were a great help to me.  Whenever I had a question or wanted some advice about Jack they were always there. 

“This is why I have decided to run the London Marathon to raise funds for them.” 

She is looking forward to the challenge of her first marathon and is trying to build up her strength by running most days, sometimes accompanied by Jack. 

She added: “I’m not a big runner but I’m getting fitter step by step. 

“I’m determined to do it and I want to raise as much cash as I can.”

Jack suffers from the heart condition known as Long QT, a disorder of the heart’s electrical system which can lead to an irregular heartbeat. 

Mrs Jackson added: “There has been a history of heart problems in our family. 

"Two members of my husband’s family died at the age of 15 and 23 of Long QT so we told doctors about this before I gave birth. 

“When Jack was born they tested him and it turned out that he had inherited it too. 

“Of course, it was a worry at first, but because it was diagnosed so early doctors were able to give him medication. 

“Now Jack takes his medicine from a spoon three times a day and he never complains.  In fact, he’s a normal, happy young boy.” 

But the condition is much more serious for those who suffer from Long QT but have not been diagnosed with it.  If not treated, people can experience serious heart problems after strenuous exercise or emotional stress. 

In the UK about six people under 35 die from Long QT every week. 

CRY is an organisation which helps families and people who suffer from the condition and a range of other heart defects. 

People can sponsor Mrs Jackson by contacting her on 07766 100230 or through her own fund-raising website at www.justgiving.com/cjcry

Find out more about Long QT Syndrome