THE family of a toddler living with a life-threatening heart defect are supporting a campaign to raise awareness of the condition.

Bradley Young has been diagnosed with the extremely rare Long QT Syndrome, which can cause instant death if triggered by a loud noise, cold water, excitement or pain.

But instead of feeling distraught about the discovery, the three-year-old's parents Ian and Glynis, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, consider themselves lucky.

Mrs Young, 38, said: "When the doctors explained what Bradley had, we didn't feel unlucky. Now we know about it, we can do the best for him.

"Young footballers have dropped dead because of it and some believe many cot deaths are really Long QT.

"It cannot be cured, but it can be treated with beta blockers, so at least he's got the best chance available. Normally, it usually isn't detected until post-mortem."

Doctors only discovered Bradley had the condition because he was being treated for a series of other problems, including asthma and fits.

Tests revealed Bradley had a hole in heart and, during an operation to correct the defect, the surgeons discovered an unusual reaction associated with the genetic condition.

Bradley's brothers and sisters - David, 21, Natasha, 19, James, 11, and Cherise, seven - have all been tested and given the all-clear.

Another County Durham family affected by the condition are the relatives of siblings Anne Marie and Daniel Readshaw, from Ferryhill, who died in drowning accidents two years apart, and are thought to have been victims of Long QT Syndrome.

They now work closely with leading medics to fight for better screening of youngsters who show signs of a heart condition such as fainting.

Mr and Mrs Young echoed those calls, but also want people to know how to react if a child needs CPR treatment.

She said: "People know how to deliver CPR to adults in emergencies, pressing the chest with two hands, but you use one hand for a child and two fingers for a baby.

"Someone might be doing their best to help but could cause internal damage and break the ribs if they treat little ones the same as adults."

The couple also want to thank local people for their support, which has included donations to buy specialist equipment, including a chair donated by the Rotary Club, for Bradley, who also have behaviour difficulties.