Heart hero Ruben was born in 2019 with coarctation of the aorta. He had open heart surgery at just 3 days old, but mum Laurie Higgins says he is now a ‘happy and healthy’ 6 year old thanks to the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit team.
Laurie tells us why she has chosen to do the Great North Run for CHSF every year since Ruben was born – 2025 will be her 5th race!
“It’s hard to find time to train for a half marathon with Ruben and his 3-year-old sister but I often have to force myself out of the door on an evening after they’ve gone to bed to get the miles in! For anyone thinking of signing up for a half marathon, do it! “It’s tough but the feeling you get from finishing and, especially the Great North Run, the encouragement from the crowd is like nothing else. “I like to take part in fancy dress every year to raise as much money as I possibly can for CHSF. I’ve been a turtle and a strawberry and the people, mainly the children of Newcastle, absolutely love it and get behind you cheering and encouraging.
“I usually ask Ruben what costume I should wear and he’s always picked some excellent outfits. This year his suggestions have so far been a diplodocus, a T-Rex and Sonic the Hedgehog so we will see what he lands on in the end!
“In previous years, I have carried a charity bucket on the day which has been a great way to boost my total, as well as getting lots of sponsorship from generous friends, family and heart supporters. “Ruben had his open heart surgery at 3 days old and it was a successful repair. He is down to check-ups now but they did say there is potential for future interventions as he has a bicuspid valve which should be tricuspid – so we have everything crossed that this doesn’t cause him any issues in future.
“Although the training and the Great North Run race is hard, it will never be as difficult as the day I was told Ruben had to have open heart surgery and the day of the operation. It will also never be as tough as the battles that those amazing heart children face.”
Feeling inspired? Why not run for a reason, and raise some valuable funds for a charity close to your heart?
We have places at races all over our region, and some exciting challenges a little further afield. Head over to our events page and sign up today!
Bradford-based adult patient Louise McCormick received open heart surgery aged 7 at Killingbeck Hospital. Now 41, Louise celebrated her 40th year by completing an enviable set of running fundraisers for CHSF in 2024.
She isn’t taking her foot of the pedal this year either, and plans to take on 12 half marathons. See Louise’s JustGiving page.
Louise begins with her recollections of heart surgery back in 1991…
“I remember a lot of it surprisingly vividly! I was on Ward 7 in Killingbeck Hospital, which was the Children’s Ward that had a playroom, which I thought was brilliant – it even had a computer which was pretty exciting in 1991. Ward 7 was run by an amazing group of nurses that were always around with a smile, and although I spent some time on my own without my family, I rarely felt lonely or scared.
“I remember watching loads of episodes of the Poddington Peas on a TV and VHS that the nurses would wheel in for me, which felt very special, and I got so many cards and presents, it was like Christmas!
“I was also lucky enough to meet Frank Bruno while I was intensive care; he came to open the new shop at the Killingbeck site, which made it into the local newspaper. Very exciting!”
Louise with boxing legend Frank Bruno when he visited the children’s heart ward at Killingback in 1991
“I remember being given a blue Katie Bear and a certificate for my stay in the hospital, which was signed by my surgeon Duncan Walker and I vaguely remember going to a Christmas event that year organised by Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. I still have all of my merch from my time in hospital, which I consider to be an incredibly significant time in my young life and I’m so grateful for the support my family received during what must have been a very scary time for them. I was just happy having 6 weeks off school!
Louise with Nurse Mike Fresson, who still works at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit today | Louise in the playroom on Ward 7 with Sheila | Louise and Nurse Ruth on Ward 7 (and her original blue Katie Bear)
“I wanted to celebrate my upcoming 40th birthday with something huge that would provide me with a great opportunity to do some fundraising for the charity who had supported me as a child, and commemorate the fact that if I not had my heart surgery, I would not be well enough to do any running now and my life would be very different.
“So through Sports Tours International I signed up for the 2024 New York Marathon, which to date is the biggest marathon in the world, ever! To help keep me on track for a year of training I also signed up to run the Leeds Half Marathon, Leeds 10K and the Great North Run. My medal collection is pretty impressive at this point.”
You’re amazing Louise! What would you say to other people considering running for a charity (including other adult heart patients)?
“Just go for it (with your heart specialist’s approval!) Find an event that excites and inspires you to work towards, get a training plan together and get your trainers on!
“There’s an absolute wealth of information about running available online, and given the popularity of running at the moment, there are in-person clubs and online running communities to make the most of and find inspiration in.
“Running is hard but you never regret a run. I’m very lucky that I’m able to run given my heart history, and I hope I can inspire others with a similar background to set themselves a challenge. I still have check ups every two years, but I’ve received nothing but encouragement from my heart specialist to keep running.
“I’m pleased to say I’m still running; I’ll be doing 12 half marathons in 2025, and hope to do another marathon in a few years when I’ll be able to continue my fundraising journey and raise some more vital funds for CHSF. In the meantime I will continue my role as Running Events Coordinator at Leeds based charity Epilepsy Action, and would strongly encourage any local runners to sign up for our Bradford 10k on 1st June – it’s a great opportunity to do some fundraising for CHSF and celebrate the City of Culture 2025!”
Feeling inspired? CHSF has a calendar of events, including running and adrenaline challenges and family days throughout the year.
Run for reason in 2025
About Manchester Half Marathon
Sunday 4th October 2026
Registration fee: £65
Fundraising target: £450
The Manchester Half is a 13.1 mile challenge that takes place every October, starting and finishing by Old Trafford. It is easily the biggest half marathon in the region, with the 2024 event set to welcome over 20,000 participants.
Since its launch in 2016 the Manchester Half has received rave reviews from participants, thanks to its professional delivery, flat route and amazing support from crowds around the course.
Places are offered in partnership with Run for Charity, follow the link below to secure your place today. Already got your own place? Let us know you’re running for CHSF by emailing events@chsf.org.uk!
Sign up for Manchester Half Marathon
Run for a reason in 2026 and join #TeamCHSF
