Fundraisers with heart to wave flags

At just four years old, Port Hedland youngster Felix Potts is gearing up to take part in a very special walk to support children living with heart disease.

Hundreds are expected to band together to complete the Two Feet and A Heartbeat charity walk run by HeartKids, which starts at Cemetery Beach Park on Sunday, September 10.

For Felix and his parents Ariana and Chris, the cause is especially close to their hearts.

Felix experienced heart failure five weeks after he was born and was rushed to Perth by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

He was diagnosed with complete atrioventricular septal defect and received corrective surgery one week later. Although the operation proved successful and Felix has made a positive recovery, further surgeries may be needed down the track.

The happy Baler Primary School student has a positive outlook on life and loves to watch his favourite Formula One driver, Daniel Ricciardo.

Felix’s mother encouraged members of the community to show their support for children living with heart disease by registering to take part in the walk.

“Felix has been through a lot in his life, but he’s doing much better and we are incredibly grateful for the support and assistance we received from HeartKids at the times we needed it most,” she said.

“Every day in Australia, eight babies like Felix are born with heart disease and tragically, many aren’t as fortunate as we were to see our baby recover.

“The walk is a fantastic opportunity to get out amongst the community and take part in something that will make a real difference to the lives of thousands of children and their families living with CHD.”

Those who participate in the walk will receive a HeartKids flag in one of three colours.

A red flag represents those walking in support of HeartKids; blue represents those with a congenital or childhood heart defect; and white is for those walking in memory of a deceased loved one.

For more information, or to register, visit heartkids.org.au/two- feet-a-heartbeat-2017.