The parents of a five-year-old boy, who had life-saving heart surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital, (GOSH) are taking part in this year’s London Santa Dash to raise money for the hospital’s charity.

Noah Sacks, from Brampton, was diagnosed with a hole in his heart in 2012 and initially surgeons believed he would need to undergo routine, non-urgent heart surgery. A more serious heart defect involving the wiring of his heart was discovered during an ultrasound examination in January 2013 and his dad Victor and mum Tina were told he needed emergency surgery. Noah, who has just started school at Brampton Village Primary School, was in surgery for four hours and spent time in intensive care, but made a full recovery and was able to go home a few days later.

Victor has already raised £15,000 for GOSH after taking part in a Hadrian’s Wall trek challenge last year, but Tina has decided to join her husband for this event, which takes place at Clapham Common in London on December 4.

“Everyone in our local area cannot believe it when they find out how ill Noah used to be, just a few years ago. They are shocked and surprised to hear what he went through as he’s so normal, lively and healthy now. We cannot thank the team at GOSH enough for what they have done. Each year we want to raise money for the hospital to give something back for saving Noah. We are looking forward to taking part in the London Santa Dash as it is a great incentive to get stuck into running, as well as raising money for a great cause. We’re training three times a week and I’ll be running the 5K with my husband Victor and one of our good friends. My parents will be bringing Noah on the day so he can watch and we’re hoping he may be able to get involved himself next year.”

Alison Rulton-Reed, from Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, said: “We are thrilled to welcome even more Santas at this year’s London Santa Dash and are very grateful to the Sacks family and to all the thousands of participants for supporting our charity. We’d like to wish them good luck for their run and can’t wait to see everyone in their Santa costumes. Whether you choose to run like Rudolf or prefer a leisurely stroll, the London Santa Dash is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit for a fantastic cause.”

INFO: Use this fundraising link if you wish to sponsor Victor and Tina: events.gosh.org/site/TR/SantaDash/SantaDash.