A COUPLE whose young daughter has undergone lifesaving heart surgery took part in a challenge walk to support a charity which has helped them.

Julian and Lois Brown were among nearly 60 people who tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks at the weekend in aid of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

The group completed the trek – which takes in the summits of Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – in under 12 hours, and so far over £15,000 has been raised.

Six-year-old Amelie Brown, from Cononley, was born with a rare congenital defect which means she only has the left-hand side of her heart.

She has needed complex surgery at Leeds General Infirmary to build a single-sided heart, which will enable her to reach adulthood.

Mr Brown said: "The Children's Heart Surgery Fund helps support children and their families who go through the Leeds Congenital Heart Centre, by providing cutting-edge equipment that the NHS simply can't afford. Also the charity makes the environment in which the children are treated as welcoming as possible.

“We have had first-hand experience of the fund's work through Amelie, and what the team at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit does on a daily basis is incredible. The staff and consultants go above and beyond and are truly a set of amazing people.”

Sharon Cheng, chief executive officer of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, who also took part in the trek, said: “Conquering the Three Peaks is an incredible achievement and I would like to say a big thank-you to Julian and Lois and the whole team of trekkers for choosing to support us and raising such a huge amount of money.

“Money raised helps to buy lifesaving equipment, amongst many other things, for thousands of children from all over the region.”

Visit chsf.org.uk for further information.