TEACHER Lloyd Wallace, 55, is one hundreds of people taking part in this Sunday's Hearts First Wyre Forest 5k.

The 55-year-old from Far Forest, has a close connection with the cause after being diagnosed with a congenital heart condition six years ago and having to undergo an open heart operation that lasted 12 hours.

As he was showing no symptoms whatsoever, the diagnosis was completely unexpected.

Just 10 months ago his son William was born but his joy quickly turned to worry when Lloyd and his wife were told by doctors that they had discovered William had a heart murmur.

After further tests they were told that William had a faulty heart valve and would need surgery during his childhood.

There is a strong possibility that William's condition is also congenital.

Lloyd said: "When we heard about the Wyre Forest 5K, my wife and I decided to participate as a family unit. We intend to walk the course with William in his pushchair. (Leading the way!) "Family, friends and work colleagues have kindly agreed to sponsor us on the challenge.

"My wife and I both know how important the BHF is in supporting people and funding research into heart conditions. I feel lucky to be alive.

"William's prospects are greatly improved as his condition will be constantly monitored.

"As a family we are only too pleased to be helping the BHF help others who find themselves with heart problems. It's great to see so many people taking part in the Wyre Forest 5K.

"We all too often take our fitness for granted. It is not until you are faced with a life threatening condition that you really appreciate what you have got."

You can run, wlak or jog the event which will be run through the Wyre Forest at the Callow Hill Visitor Centre from 11am.

You can enter on the day. registration will be from 10am.

Money raised will go to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) which is leading the battle against heart and circulatory disease - the UK's biggest killer.

The charity is a major funder and authority in cardiovascular research.

It plays an important role in funding education, both of the public and of health professionals, and in providing life-saving cardiac equipment and support for rehabilitation and patient care For more information on the BHF, visit bhf.org.uk