Last updated at 12:41, Friday, 07 September 2012

A nine-year-old boy from Maryport has set himself a charity challenge.

Nathan Langcake, of Ullswater Road, is taking part in the British Heart Foundation’s Bag-athon challenge to collect 50 bags of donated goods by the end of this month.

Nathan has battled with heart problems since he was a baby and has had three major operations.

Mum Leanne said: “I am chuffed that he has decided to take this on.

“It is something to make him aware that he is not the only one going through this.”

Nathan was born with a condition which means his aortic valve was narrowed. Two stents, to widen the aorta, were put in during the first operation, which saved his life.

He underwent more surgery in 2009 and 2010, and further surgery will be required to replace a pulmonary valve as he grows.

Leanne said: “He can’t do any contact sports and I think sometimes he feels it is unfair.

“I am a lot more relieved after his last operation because I am not having to constantly check up on him or worry as much.”

Nathan is collecting clothes, shoes, bags, toys and bric-a-brac and anyone who would like to donate can contact Leanne on 07543809306.

First published at 11:49, Friday, 07 September 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk