Heart op boy, 5, to be honorary National runner

A five-year-old boy who has undergone five open heart surgeries - including the latest in recent weeks - will be this year's honorary runner in the Randox Grand National.

Although it is too soon since the procedure for Oliver, from Formby to attend the big race, the Jockey Club and Alder Hey Hospital will stream a private viewing for the boy with his family and their friends in the Liverpool hospital's special cinema.

"Oliver is back home now but is still quite vulnerable as he waits for his breast bone to mend," said mum Amelia Christie.

She added: "But he is still very excited."

An honorary runner has taken a place in the race since 2017 when Randox first sponsored the National, and it sees the runner's name appearing in the racecard alongside the official line-up.

The initiative highlights the work of Alder Hey which has a longstanding partnership with Aintree Racecourse stretching back 25 years.

Although the little boy - who has a life-limiting congenital heart disease - will not be at the big race, he did attend the Grand National Weights Lunch, an annual event staged at Liverpool's St George's Hall in February, with hundreds of guests.

His mother said: "I did a little speech and Oliver was there in all his cuteness and waved at everybody."

She added: "I've worked for the Jockey Club since 2019 and I had Oliver in December 2020. And they have always been so supportive of me and my family."

Oliver is a big fan of riding on ponies.

Amelia said: "He rides with the Riding for the Disabled Association. He rides at our local Bowlers Riding School, starting when he was three years old.

"Because of his cerebral palsy, the riding has really helped his core strengths. Oliver has always loved horses as well, so this is perfect for him. He's very, very excited."

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