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Couple Runs Half Marathon for Daughter's Heart
5 May
Summary
- Footballer Jack Sparkes and Abbie Denton raise over £5,000 for heart condition research.
- Their daughter Lily was diagnosed with a hole in her heart and awaits surgery.
- The couple are running the Bristol Half Marathon to support their daughter.
Bristol Rovers defender Jack Sparkes and his fiancée Abbie Denton are preparing to run the Bristol Half Marathon to support their daughter, Lily, who has a heart condition. The couple has already raised more than £5,000 for the British Heart Foundation, significantly exceeding their initial £500 target.
Lily was diagnosed with a partial atrioventricular septal defect, a hole in the heart, at two years old. She is scheduled for a second surgery later this year at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children to correct a defective heart valve. Denton emphasized the importance of the foundation's research in enabling Lily's treatment.
Training for the half marathon has been a demanding yet rewarding challenge for the couple. Sparkes noted the significant increase in distance compared to his usual 10-11km in a game. They are appreciative of the support from Bristol Rovers, which has accommodated his need for time off for appointments, and the messages of encouragement from fans.
