Teddy Tulloh, who was born with half a heart, is raising money for London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, which has been treating him since he was born. Today's challenge was nothing compared to the battle Teddy has faced since he had life-saving surgery when he was just two days old. Since then, he has endured two more lots of heart surgery, eight other operations and contracted pneumonia, meaning he has spent almost six months of his short life in hospital.
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Today Teddy joined thousands of runners dressed in Santa outfits at Clapham Common.Â
Teddy was responsible for officially starting the race, which has raised thousands for charity.
"Teddy is really tough," said his mother Claire, 32.
"He loves to run about and do normal things but we have to be careful because his heart has to work twice as hard as anyone else's."
Teddy was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) when Claire had her 20-week scan.
The rare condition affects one in 5,000 babies born each year.
Teddy’s most recent operation was the last in the three stages of surgery he needed to survive.
If there are further complications, he will require a heart transplant.
Teddy, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, will be taking part in today's Santa Dash with mother Claire, father Alex and his sisters Kahlen, 10, and Emmie, four.
Claire said: "We wanted to give something back to the hospital. They have been amazing to us."
"Teddy is really tough," said his mother Claire, 32. "He loves to run about and do normal things but we have to be careful because his heart has to work twice as hard as anyone else's."
Teddy was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) when Claire had her 20-week scan.
To donate, visit gosh.org/santadash