A YOUNG heart patient who has endured a life-time of operations has pledged to walk from his home town of Blackburn to Samlesbury and back to raise money for the hospital which saved his life.

Huzaifah Valli, 12, who lives in East Park Road, Corporation Park, was born with complex cyanotic congenital heart disease, which means the two big arteries leaving his heart are the wrong way round.

At only eight-days-old, he had his first operation and has since had two more open heart surgeries, culminating in having a pacemaker fitted recently.

If he becomes sick again he may require a heart transplant.

Despite his health issues, Huzaifah, who goes to St Wilfrid's High School in Blackburn, is keen to support Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, which has overseen his treatment.

He has come up with several fundraising schemes and has been named as a charity ambassador for the hospital.

Huzaifah's latest challenge will take place on Saturday, February 13 when he plans to walk from Blackburn to Samlesbury and back along the A677, a distance of around 12 miles.

He said: "As it is Congenital Heart Defect week between February 7-14 I am walking doing the walk, wearing red.

"A few others will join me.

"I know this will be very hard for myself as I find it very hard to walk long distances.

"It will be a true challenge for myself all in order to raise awareness of my condition and also to raise funds to help the children of the future.

"Everyone at Alder Hey helped me a lot with what I have.

"If it wasn’t for the NHS, how could my parents afford to have my operation done?"

Those wishing to sponsor Huzaifah can go to mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/huzaifahvalli1.

Huzaifah lives with mum Shamira, dad Soofyan and brother Hashim

Shamira said she was 'extremely proud' of her son.

She said: "Having the pacemaker sometimes means he’s restricted in some of his activities but he’s just like any of his school mates.

“He's doing great.

"As far as we understand for Huzaifah’s future, he may need a transplant but for now we’ll just be bringing him to hospital for check-ups so the team can monitor his progress.

“As well as giving a lot of support, our family and friends have also helped raised lots of money for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, including helping towards the parent’s room on the cardiac ward. I know other families will benefit from being in a comfy, home like area and still be so close their child.

“Everyone at Alder Hey has been brilliant and we actually miss staying at the hospital that saved him."