FULL backing for a major British Heart Foundation event being staged at Knebworth Park is being given by a teenager who has suffered heart problems all her life. Amy Lucas condition was diagnosed in pregnancy and she was born with four complications of t

FULL backing for a major British Heart Foundation event being staged at Knebworth Park is being given by a teenager who has suffered heart problems all her life.

Amy Lucas' condition was diagnosed in pregnancy and she was born with four complications of the heart.

The first six months of her life were spent in and out of hospital and on an array of medications.

When she was five months old Amy had corrective surgery that improved her condition slightly but for the first few years of her life she would have attacks where she would go blue and her body become floppy and she would faint while her heart tried to recover itself.

Since her seventh birthday, Amy's life has been far more positive.

She still gets tachycardia attacks but they are milder and more controllable.

Amy, who is 15 and lives in Little Wymondley, recently faced what she hoped would be the final hurdle - another operation to effectively kill the faulty cells in her heart that cause the rhythm problems that she struggles with.

The result of this operation has so far proved unsuccessful and Amy will have to continue on medication for the foreseeable future.

Throughout her troubles, the British Heart Foundation has been there to give comprehensive information and offer support, which has been much appreciated by her family.

Her mum, Pauline, said: "The last 15 years have been difficult times for Amy.

"The procedure they did in 2006 was considered too high risk for Amy when she was a toddler.

"Thirteen years later - thanks to the work of the BHF - it was a 'routine' procedure, a function of continued research and development. We are relying on that continued research and development to help progress the knowledge and expertise of our medical profession."

She added: "Amy has always had a positive mental attitude and she is currently a budding local actress, landing a role on a new TV series on Nickelodeon, proving she will not let her condition get the better of her."

At last year's Hearts First Jog in Knebworth Park, Amy's aunt Claire Harald and her friend Simone Martin ran the course to raise much needed funds to help the BHF continue its research onto finding new ways to help people such as Amy. Simone was the trop fundraiser.

This year, the Hearts First Jog is on Sunday, March 4. More than 500 people are expected to jog, run, walk or even crawl around the grounds of the park.

Adam Brockett, the BHF regional events organiser, said: "Amy is just one example of how heart and circulatory disease can affect even the youngest of people.

"Through no fault of her own, Amy has had to battle with heart disease from the word go. Amy is an inspiration to all those who suffer from heart and circulatory problems.

"We do ask that everyone who takes part in this year's Hearts First jog - Knebworth House try to raise as much sponsorship as they can to help us help people such as Amy."

He added: "The British Heart Foundation is the nation's heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But we urgently need your help. We rely on your donations of time and money to continue our life-saving work.

"So please make a difference, register for the event, get training and raise plenty of sponsorship money for the BHF."

For more information on the Hearts First - Knebworth House Jog call 0800 389 9750

Email: nthamesevents@bhf.org.uk

Visit: www.bhf.org.uk/knebworthjog