A brave one-year-old boy who had major heart surgery when he was just a few days old has undergone a second operation to save his life.

On Saturday, more than 50 walkers will march from Whitstable to Faversham, where a fundraising event will kick off at the Ship Inn, Ospringe – and it is all for Alex Goodwin.

The courageous tot, who lives with his mum and dad, Sarah and Kevin, and brother Jack, seven, and sister Faith, four, in Water Lane, in Ospringe, has been through more than most as he approaches his second birthday.

But as the family spent weeks in hospital, overcome by worries about Alex’s future, there has been one charity which has kept their spirits high and supported them throughout their torturous journey – the Evelina Children’s Heart Organisation (ECHO).

Now they want to give something back and are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the incredible cause.

Personal assistant Sarah said: “At my 20-week pregnancy scan we were told the heart didn’t look quite right and we were sent to cardiology at the Evelina Children’s Hospital in London.

“During that scan they diagnosed heart disease.

“This is the first time we met ECHO and they were there after the scan to offer support and advice.

“Alex had his first major heart surgery when he was a few days old, which was essential to save his life, and in the last few days he has had his second major heart surgery. He also has feeding, airway and lung issues.

“Alex has a lot of ongoing hospital appointments and we spend a lot of time in London, which is hard for the whole family.”

Alex was diagnosed before he was born with an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), a hole in the heart, and a coarctation of the aorta, where the aorta is narrowed.

Sarah and Kevin are still unsure whether he will need a third bout of surgery, but they are taking each day as it comes.

They say he is still a happy and cheeky boy and loves playing outside and being sociable.

Sarah adds: “ECHO have supported us a family since before Alex was born.

“They are there night and day to talk to, whenever we need them, and provide support from prenatal classes right through to teenager years and beyond.

“ECHO provides comprehensive support for children with heart conditions and their families and we would love to give something back to them for all they have done for us.”

The sponsored walk will set off from the Neptune pub in Whitstable at 9.30am and head towards the Ship Inn in Ospringe Street, where there will be a raffle, barbecue and mini auction from 3pm.

If you cannot make the event but would still like to donate, click here.

To find out more about ECHO, click here.