Northamptonshire man born with heart condition takes on London Marathon to help save others

A personal trainer from Daventry who underwent surgery for a heart defect at just three weeks old is running the 2023 TCS London Marathon for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Billy Butler is taking on the challenge for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to “help raise awareness for a charity whose research may have played a part in saving my life”.

Billy was born seven weeks early. At just three weeks old, tests revealed he had coarctation of the aorta. It meant his main artery was too narrow to pump sufficient blood to his brain and lower body.

“The effects of leaving it can be fatal, so my mum and dad agreed to me having surgery at three weeks old. I’ve been left with a scar that goes from my middle and all the way round to my back,” said Billy, now aged 27.

Later that year he was also diagnosed with asthma.

“I spent the next few years and right into my teens having lots of check-ups and cardiology tests. Thankfully I’ve only been in hospital once more due to an asthma attack,” said Billy.

“I don’t have so many tests done now that I’m older, but I still need to be mindful about things – for example I can’t give blood and catching a cold or the flu can hit me a bit worse than most people.”

While Billy has never felt his condition has held him back – he’s always been active and played sport under the guidance of his doctor – his condition has meant he hasn’t been able to pursue his desired career in the military or police.

Billy, who now works as personal trainer at PureGym, the first official gym partner of the BHF, said: “It’s been frustrating on a personal level, I’ve never seen my heart condition as something that would impact my life.

“That’s why I’ve decided to run the London Marathon for the BHF, with the permission of my doctor. I want to prove to myself and others that I can do these things and my heart condition doesn’t hold me back in any way. I want to show that anything is possible.”

Billy is now taking on the iconic TCS London Marathon to raise vital funds for the BHF’s lifesaving research into heart and circulatory conditions. Each year in Northamptonshire around 55 babies are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Before the BHF existed, the majority of babies diagnosed with a severe heart defect in the UK did not survive to their first birthday. Today, thanks to research, more than eight out of 10 survive to adulthood. 

Billy’s mum, Lynne, added: “When tests revealed Billy had coarctation of the aorta, we were given the difficult choice of him being operated on or risk leaving it. I was horrified, my baby was already born early and we were so worried, but we couldn’t leave it.

“I couldn’t stop crying as he was taken for surgery, wondering if it would be the last time I saw him. But thankfully, the operation was a success and he’s been doing well since.

“I’m very proud of Billy running the London Marathon, but also nervous – I would be whether he had the condition or not. Like any mum, I worry about my children all the time, but I’m very proud of all he’s achieved and can’t wait to see him with his medal.”

This TCS London Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 23 April, Team BHF runners, like Billy, will help fund groundbreaking research into new treatments and potential cures for heart and circulatory conditions. 

Karen McDonnell, Senior Events Manager at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: “We never fail to be inspired by the incredible stories of our supporters, and Billy is no exception. 

“Every single step our runners take will help power science with the potential to beat heart and circulatory disease. We’re extremely grateful for Billy’s support and can’t wait to cheer him over the finish line.” 

To help Billy reach his fundraising target, visit his JustGiving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/billy-butler