HOLE-in-the-heart girl Nicole Wareing has launched a charity event that will raise money for an organisation that helped save her life.

Nicole, nine, of Banbury, has joined forces with the British Heart Foundation to encourage volunteers to take part in this year's Hearts First Blenheim Bolt.

The 'Bolt' is a 10km mini-marathon organised for Sunday, September 17, at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock. It is open to everyone, and participants can run, jog, or walk the route.

Nicole was born with a hole in her heart, and her family are supporting the event because they believe she would not have survived without the research carried out by the BHF.

Kirsti Wareing, Nicole's mother, said: "We didn't know anything was wrong with Nicole until she became really ill soon after she was born.

"We took her to hospital where doctors discovered she had a one-centimetre hole in her heart. She had open-heart surgery at just four months old. It was a stressful and upsetting time for the family.

"Nicole is now doing really well. She still needs check ups, but only every five years.

"Without the advances in medical research made by organisations like the BHF, I don't think our beautiful daughter would be with us today."

Mrs Wareing said: "I am urging people to sign up for the Hearts First Blenheim Bolt and help heal other vulnerable hearts in Oxfordshire."

BHF event organiser Louise McCathie, said: "People are more likely to die from heart and circulatory disease than any other serious illness, including cancer. It's the nation's biggest killer.

"People can sign up by calling 0800 169 3672 or by emailing us on westevents@bhf.org.uk."

The BHF currently funds a cardiac liaison nurse at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. Last year's Blenheim Bolt helped raise money for a paediatric transoesophageal probe a device which already helped more than a hundred children.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Nick Archer is also backing the 'Bolt.' He said: "Around 4,600 babies are born with heart defects every year in the UK. We can help improve the quality of life for these children and the 2.6 million people living with heart disease, by taking part in this fun sponsored event."