A WOMAN from South Woodham Ferrers is taking part in a sponsored walk for a hospital which saved her life.

Lucy Bright, 24, from South Woodham Ferrers, is walking more than 13 miles along Southend Seafront to raise money for The Royal Brompton Hospital Foundation, in London.

Lucy was taken to the Brompton when she was just 17 days old, with a rare heart condition called Ebstein’s Anomaly (EA).

EA is a congenital heart defect that affects around one in every 20,000 children, and occurs early in the development of a baby’s heart.

Lucy said the hospital were vital to helping her get through the treatment at such a young age.

She explained: “The Royal Brompton is a safe have to me, it saved my life more than once and each time I need to go there I instantly feel at home. Hospitals are not a nice place to be, especially as a young child, but The Brompton is special and deserves all the help in the world.

“The amazing staff saved my life with very little knowledge of my condition, so I think the time is not right that I pay them back and help to support them.

“The charity needs continual funds to keep the children’s ward doors open as they are at threat of losing government funding. I don’t want children to not receive the same treatment and chances at life as I did. Without The Brompton they may not be given the opportunity.”

Lucy is completing the walk with her mum, Sharon, and mother-in-law Sue. The trio are hoping to raise £500 for the foundation, having previously raised £800 last year.

“In May I signed up to the British Heart Foundations ‘My Marathon’ in which I completed a marathon but in my own time and at my own pace,” said Lucy.

“I completed it in four weeks, which, considering I hadn’t done any running beforehand, I felt was good going. I managed to raise just under £800 that time.

“This year I am aiming to raise £500 for the foundation, but any more would be excellent.”

The walk will take place on July 1.

To donate to Lucy’s cause, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/LucysBromptonWalk.