A FIVE-year-old heart patient who has become the poster girl for a national charity led an array of athletes and guests at a swimming event.

Rosanna Ogden, from Chorley, who was born with a tumour on her heart and received open heart surgery at just five-weeks-old, has had a long association with Heart Research UK.

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The sponsored swim was organised by her parents at the David Lloyd gym in Chorley.

Rosanna learned to swim before she could walk or talk in order to build her strength and stamina and has been taking part in sponsored swims since the age of two.

Joining Rosanna at the event was nine-year-old Thai boxer Maddox Lilley, and former soldier Sgt Rick Clement, who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan.

Maddox, from Adlington, is ranked the top Thai boxer in the UK for his age.

Rick, originally from Chatburn, lost both legs when he stepped on an explosive device while on foot patrol in Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in 2010.

The former Clitheroe Grammar School pupil said: “I decided to get involved with Rosanna’s swim because she seems like an amazing little girl.

“My dad had a few heart problems so this cause is also something that is quite close to me.”

Others who took part in the sponsored event were Olympic swimmer James Goddard, Channel swimmer Ian Johnson, triathletes Tom Carson and Lucas Siska, and ASA swimmers Zac Frisby and Benjamin Staniforth.

Rosanna’s mother Sanam Ogden said: “Rosanna just loves swimming and raising money to help other heart patients like herself.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in this event and helped us.”

Heart Research UK National Director, Barbara Harpham, said: “Rosanna’s efforts in the pool showed that you can overcome heart problems at a young age and always have a positive outlook.”

Text RORO05 £3 to 70070 to donate to Heart Research UK and support Rosanna’s efforts.