A Shipley man is set to tackle the world’s biggest half marathon this weekend in support of Yorkshire’s own national heart charity – Heart Research UK.

Gary Britton has raised money for the charity ever since his nephew was born with a heart condition 12 years ago.

Gary’s nephew, Ethan, was only five days old when his mother realised something was wrong.

After being rushed to hospital, he had cardiac arrest and was diagnosed with an aortic atresia – where part of the heart hasn’t formed properly.

After undergoing open heart surgery at ten days old, Ethan has since had a number of operations at Leeds General Infirmary and still goes for regular check-ups on his heart.

He is now a fun-loving 12-year-old who enjoys school and watching Bradford City Football Club. Gary, 39, will take his position alongside thousands of other athletes and fundraisers at the world’s biggest half marathon on Sunday and run 13 miles through Newcastle and Gateshead. This will be Gary’s seventh fundraiser for Heart Research UK.

He said: “My family has done numerous events for Heart Research UK. So far we’ve organised two sponsored walks, two runs in Blackpool, a birthday party fundraiser and we’ve taken part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. We fully appreciate the effort and money that is needed for research into treating and curing heart problems.

“I train between three or four times a week, usually running a total of 20 to 30 miles. I’ve already completed the Great North Run so I’m hoping to run it in under one hour 45 minutes.

“I’m aiming to raise over £300 in sponsorship through the generous support of my friends, family and colleagues.”

Barbara Harpham, National Director of Heart Research UK said: “Gary and his family have shown that they are dedicated supporters of Heart Research UK.

“We wish him every success with the BUPA Great North Run, without fundraisers like him we could not continue our pioneering work into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.”