Girl who had heart surgery at two-months-old to start Cambridge relay
Maia needed surgery for a serious heart condition
A girl who needed heart surgery at just two months old will set hundreds of runners on their way at the Chariots of Fire relay in Cambridge today.
Maia, now 11, was born six weeks premature and diagnosed with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), a serious congenital heart condition which meant there were large holes between the chambers of her heart.
But after further surgery to help close the holes, Maia - named as a British Heart Foundation (BHF) young hero - is now fit and well.
“Stories like Maia’s show why this work matters," Karl Coppack, fundraising manager at BHF, said.
"Thanks to advances in diagnosis, treatment and care, children born with serious heart conditions have more hope than ever before.
"While there is still much more to do, the support generated through Chariots of Fire will help researchers continue their search for the next lifesaving discoveries for people affected by cardiovascular disease.”
Funds raised through Chariots of Fire will help support research projects taking place in Cambridge, such as at the city's Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart and Lung Research Institute.
These focus on improving understanding of inherited heart conditions, helping to prevent congenital heart defects in babies, and developing better ways to protect the heart and improve recovery following a heart attack.
History of the relay
The first Chariots of Fire charity race took place in 1992 and was the idea of local chartered accountant Bill Matthews who was looking for fundraising ideas.
Mr Matthews came up with the idea of a fundraising race in light of the 1981 film Chariots of Fire film, based on the story of British athletes Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams.
He took the idea to friend and local lawyer Lewis Isaacs to help fund and organise the first event.
Since then, more than £1.6 million has been raised for charities.
How does the relay work?
Starting and finishing at Queen’s Green, the six-person relay sees runners travel through the centre of Cambridge and the historic grounds of Trinity College and King’s College, including Trinity’s Great Court, before returning to pass the baton to their teammate.
The route also follows areas along the River Cam and the Backs, offering runners views across the college grounds and King’s College Chapel as they take on their leg of the relay.
Teams of friends, colleagues, clubs and families are encouraged to take part, with categories available across the event.