A BOY with a rare genetic disorder that affects his heart and ability to walk has completed a mile-long walk for charity and raised more than £1,000 with his older sister’s help.

Marcus Weston, nine, from Richmond, suffers from the rare cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome, a condition which affects the heart, face and skin – and is one of only 20 people in the UK with the syndrome.

His mother Sam Weston said she heard about the Richmond British Heart Foundation Chase the Pud fun run, and because Marcus has mild heart problems, she asked him and her daughters Joely, 10, and Romilly, four, if they wanted to get involved.

She said: “Joely took the task on board straight away and got lots of her friends to take part and raise sponsor money.

“She has been fantastic in rounding people up to sponsor her and has managed to raise £870 – so with gift aid it is around £1,000.”

She said Marcus has flat feet and finds walking difficult, but managed to walk the full mile from Richmond Station along the disused railway line.

He even won the event’s fancy dress competition and Mrs Weston said he loved the festive atmosphere.

Mrs Weston added: “Marcus crossing the finish line with his sisters, family and friends was one of the proudest moments of my life.”

The Richmond Branch of British Heart Foundation has so far raised more than £2,000 and around 150 people took part in the event.

To donate to the appeal visit thewestonfamily.blog and follow the link or nhf.org.uk.