Little Ethan Britton is stepping out to boost heart patients - despite being born with a serious condition that led to him undergoing open heart surgery at just 10 days old.

Now the Shipley five-year-old will walk three miles to help research into heart disease.

Ethan will be accompanied by his mum Joanne - they are pictured together - on the sponsored walk, which is raising money for the National Heart Research Fund.

The youngster spent the first three months of his life in hospital following open heart surgery.

Joanne said Ethan's birth was normal but after a few days he became ill and was rushed into St Luke's Hospital.

He was then transferred to St James's Hospital in Leeds, where doctors found his heart had not formed properly.

"He had an operation when he was a few days old and another a few days later," said Joanne, 28.

She said Ethan was very seriously ill and was lucky he was taken into hospital so quickly.

Now her son is a lively little boy, although he gets out of breath sometimes.

"He needs another operation - he is on the waiting list but they are going to wait until Christmas when he is bigger," she said.

Ethan has been fed via a tube into his stomach at night to build him up, but his mum said he is now eating well and the feed is being reduced.

Joanne and Ethan, of West Royd Mount, have raised funds for heart research in the past through sponsored walks. Their latest challenge will take place at Temple Newsam in Leeds on October 5.

"Without the help of charities like the National Heart Research Fund, Ethan's condition would not have been detected and treated and he might not be here today," said Joanne.

"Now we really want to help heart research to save the lives of other children like Ethan and want to encourage other families across West Yorkshire to come along to the walk and do the same."

Money raised will go towards research into prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

The charity funds 45 research projects at 23 universities and hospitals across the country.

"It's a very important cause to me," Joanne said.

The walk will follow paths crossing 1,500 acres of parkland, woodland and farmland and is suitable for everyone.

For more information or to register ring 0113 2347474.