Tragic boy's parents to run for their son

LISA and Mark Morgan's son died aged just nine weeks but the couple believe there is still one thing they can do for their baby boy.

Foy was born with half a working heart and now the couple will run 5km to raise money to help children like him.

The charity Little Hearts Matter has organised the On Your Marks for Little Hearts race in the grounds of Shugborough Hall, near Stafford.

It will be the couple's second time taking part in the race. They ran last year, just a week after Foy's funeral.

Mrs Morgan said: "Other parents can go home and make tea for their children or take them to the park but we can't do those things, so this race is something we can do for our son.

"I don't think the emotions had really kicked in when we did the race last year. We were almost numb. It will be more emotional this year."

The couple, who live in London Road, Derby, first learnt that Foy had a serious heart condition 20 weeks into the pregnancy, following a scan.

They were told he would need surgery almost immediately after his birth and although he was born in Derby, Foy was transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Just 36 hours later, Foy had a shunt inserted to carry blood to his lungs. It was a temporary measure, with doctors hoping he would grow strong enough to withstand heart surgery.

Mrs Morgan said: "When they started to bring him round he was just amazing, you'd never have believed he'd had major surgery. He was very bright and his eyes were wide. He was a really happy, contented baby."

But his condition deteriorated and he died on September 25.

Foy, who was born on July 19, was diagnosed with Ivemark syndrome. Patients with the condition have no spleen and have abnormalities in the lungs, liver, bowel and heart.

The race will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 10.30am. For more information call 0121 455 8982 or visitwww.lhm.org.uk.