AFTER open heart surgery at 13-days-old doctors never expected Connor Austin to become a long distance runner.

But the 14-year-old has proved them wrong as he took on a challenging 10k run on Sunday to help raise money for the hospital which has looked after him since.

The St Gregory’s High School pupil joined in with the Arley Hall 10k run alongside mum Jackie and big sister Jodie who are members of Warrington Wonder Women.

Jackie, aged 36, said: “He was told he wouldn’t be able to do anything like this but he completed the 10k in 58 minutes.

“Their care was fantastic, Connor was in there for six weeks. He will need another operation at some point but he’s good at the minute.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to put something back in to the hospital.”

Connor added: “My mum said do you want to run with the group?

“I started at a 5k because I didn’t want to push myself because it’s the longest run I have ever done. Now I have only ever done two 10ks.”

Warrington Wonder Women are spending the year fundraising for Alder Hey Hospital with hopes to raise £12,500 in the year to fund a recovery room.

It was partly set as the fundraising total as founder Vic Royle is the aunty of Parker who is battling cancer.

Vic, aged 34, said: “The group has exploded since January with numbers up by 150 to 200 per cent.

“It’s about making the most for yourself.”

Jackie, of Manchester Road, Paddington, added: “It’s interesting how many of us have a connection with Alder Hey when you talk about it.”

And so far as part of the campaign to travel around the world in 12 months at 50p per mile they have made it to India by reaching £7,131 in just three months.

Warrington Wonder Women offer training for women of all ages and abilities with a focus on keeping fitness fun and about friendship.

All money raised by the group goes directly to charity.

The group will be hosting a Bollywood race night on Saturday, April 19 at Alford Hall, on Manchester Road, Woolston from 6pm.

To buy tickets or find out more about Warrington Wonder Women visit warringtonwomensweightlossgym.co.uk or to donate visit justgiving.com/WarringtonWonderWomen.