An “inspirational” Keighley youngster with a rare heart condition is continuing to defy the odds by entering a fundraising race next Sunday.
Josh Hudson,17, of Windsor Crescent, Oakworth, will put his medical problems to one side when he runs the Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup Race on behalf of Heart Research UK.
The condition, transposition of the arteries, is so debilitating that the oldest person with it besides Josh only lived to eight-years-old – making his entry in the race even more impressive.
A member of the Worth Valley Young Farmers Club, Josh will represent the Yorkshire-based national heart charity as their mascot, Hartley.
The teen has been in and out of hospital with heart problems for much of his life. Ten days after he was born, he started to turn blue due to his arteries not connecting in the right way. In his first few weeks he technically died twice.
Now he is nearing adulthood he will be able to undergo surgery which will help to stop the leak in his valve.
The race, at Wetherby Racecourse, features mascots from groups and charities across the country running in costume.
Josh said: “When I found out I could run as Hartley Heart for Heart Research UK I was delighted. I can’t wait to represent the charity, and it gives me a chance to give something back to them because if it wasn't for their work I wouldn't be here now.”
He undergoes six monthly check ups at the hospital where he has an echocardiogram as well as having to take tablets every day to regulate his conditions.
Josh says he lives by his mother’s advice: “Whatever happens, it will be ok. As his parents we would rather Josh did what he enjoyed than let the condition dictate how he lives his life.”
To sponsor Josh visit