AN inspirational eight-year-old, with a rare heart condition, has completed a mammoth running challenge in order to raise money for others suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Aiden Hatten, from Okehampton, has pounded 26.2-miles of pavement in order to complete a ‘marathon in a month’ challenge and has raised more than £400 for the British Heart Foundation.

Aiden was originally diagnosed with pulmonary stenosis, a fixed obstruction of blood flow from the right ventricle of the heart to the pulmonary artery. However, doctors now believe he has partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC), which is a rare congenital cardiac defect where the blood flow from a few of the pulmonary veins return to the right atrium instead of the left atrium.

Aiden and his family are awaiting results of an MRI scan to find out more about the diagnosis but his condition means he is likely to need surgery when he is older.

However, determined to help others, Aiden did not let this hold him back.

The energetic youngster completed eight runs in just four weeks — the longest stint equalling 7-miles.

Aiden, who attends Okehampton Primary School, was joined by mum Rhiannon for most of the runs. He even put his grandad through his paces by getting him out for a jog.

His dad, Rob Hatten, said: ‘We are so proud of Aiden and everything he has achieved!

‘His original fundraising target was £75 and he achieved that in just two days. His fundraising page raised £348.50 and his aunty, who works in the British Heart Foundation shop in town, set up a collection box that raised £60. In total, he’s managed to raise just over £400 so far.

‘My wife suggested the challenge to Aiden and he took it on because he wanted to help others with heart conditions like his own — that’s why he’ll be donating to the British Heart Foundation.

‘There were days when Aiden didn’t feel like running and we had to encourage him, but he still got out there and completed his runs. He was even out in the miserable rainy weather we’ve had!

‘When Aiden’s running, he sets himself a pace and just keeps going — I don’t know where he gets all his energy from.’

Rob also explained that Aiden recently went to Bristol Hospital for an MRI scan, which revealed he would likely need heart surgery when he is older.

‘I think Aiden’s an inspiration really — he has a heart condition but doesn’t let it affect what he can achieve. We are very proud of him.’

To donate and to follow Aiden’s journey, visit https://mymarathon17.everydayhero.com/uk/AidenHattenmarathon