A MAN who had major heart surgery as a child is now running the London Marathon for a charity researching heart problems.

Ben Green had to have a valve and four holes in his heart repaired when he was just four and without the operationhe wouldn't be alive today.

Ben, 33, is just one of seven employees of Ironmongery Direct, based in Hockley, who are entering the London Marathon.

Other entrants include executive director Chris Bass, 43, Glen Cattermole, 43, Paul White, 29, Chris Clayton, 31, Marc Steel, 24, and Alex Smith, 31.

They are aiming to raise £10,000 for Heart UK, a charity committed to preventing premature deaths caused by high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

If you would like to support Ben and the others, cheques payable to HEART UK can be posted to Ironmongery Direct,FAO Chris Bass,Units 2-4 Eldon Way, Hockley, SS5 4AD.