A Preston grandfather has raised over £2000 for charity after his grandson Blake was born with a hole in his heart.

Blake is just 20 months old and is thought to be one of the youngest to be diagnosed with Myhre Syndrome.

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The condition is very rare and it affects internal organs by creating scar tissue and thickening of arteries and blood vessels.

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Blake’s grandad, Paul Patterson, said: “It wasn’t looking promising when he was about 5- 6 months old as the amazing doctors and specialists at Alder Hey were running out of ideas.

“It was only Blake’s sheer will to live that pulled him through.

“He still faces many battles and operations going forward and is due another big operation in a few weeks to fit stents into the arteries between his heart and lungs.

“He is the most adorable child and is always smiling and giggling and loves playing.”

Myhre Syndrome was only discovered in 1981 and there are thought to be only 200 people with the condition worldwide.

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At his young age, Blake has already been on life support and has had several major operations, including heart and lung bypasses.

“My fundraiser came about through my Facebook page as a birthday fundraiser,” Paul added.

“We were in the process of organising a skydive for the Myhre syndrome foundation and Ronald McDonald house at Alder Hey hospital but due to the pandemic it’s been put on hold till next year hopefully.

My fundraiser started off at £150 Which so got hit then 500, 750,1000, 1500 and after just over a week I’d raised £2045 which I was over the moon with.

“I had a little help from a friend who has a show on Beat Radio in Preston and I did an interview to raise more awareness and funds, which went great.

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“It’s really gathered a lot of interest and the more awareness for Myhre Syndrome the better because it’s very under-funded compared to other charities.”

Blake will have an operation in the next few weeks to fit a catheter from his heart to his lung. Doctors also hope to see why the walls of Blakes heart are still thickening.

Blake’s family have set up a Facebook page for people to follow his progress, called Blake – Our Heart Warrior.

Read more: Latest news from Blog Preston

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Have you supported the fundraiser? What do you think to Blake’s story? Tell us in the comments.