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Cambridge runner breaks Guinness World Record after heart surgery Cambridge runner breaks Guinness World Record after heart surgery
(10 days later)
Alex Hunt completed the Stevenage Marathon in three hours and six minutesAlex Hunt completed the Stevenage Marathon in three hours and six minutes
A runner who had open heart surgery has broken a Guinness World Record.A runner who had open heart surgery has broken a Guinness World Record.
Alex Hunt, from Cambridge, ran the Stevenage marathon in three hours and six minutes.Alex Hunt, from Cambridge, ran the Stevenage marathon in three hours and six minutes.
The publishers of the famous record book have confirmed that Mr Hunt has completed the marathon in the fastest-ever time for a person with an artificial heart valve.The publishers of the famous record book have confirmed that Mr Hunt has completed the marathon in the fastest-ever time for a person with an artificial heart valve.
He beat the previous record by 45 minutes.He beat the previous record by 45 minutes.
The aortic valve enables blood to flow into the aorta without flowing out againThe aortic valve enables blood to flow into the aorta without flowing out again
Alex Hunt, who is 37, had a bicuspid aortic valve put in his heart.Alex Hunt, who is 37, had a bicuspid aortic valve put in his heart.
The aortic valve allows blood to flow into the aorta without flowing back into the ventricle, but Mr Hunt's valve had only two flaps instead of the usual three.The aortic valve allows blood to flow into the aorta without flowing back into the ventricle, but Mr Hunt's valve had only two flaps instead of the usual three.
If left untreated, the condition could lead to heart failure.If left untreated, the condition could lead to heart failure.
Worried that he might not have lived long enough to see his daughters grow up, he underwent open heart surgery three years ago at Royal Papworth Hospital to have an artificial valve fitted.Worried that he might not have lived long enough to see his daughters grow up, he underwent open heart surgery three years ago at Royal Papworth Hospital to have an artificial valve fitted.
Alex Hunt has been thanked for his efforts by Krystyna Grant (left) and Shelley Green from the Royal Papworth CharityAlex Hunt has been thanked for his efforts by Krystyna Grant (left) and Shelley Green from the Royal Papworth Charity
He ran the Stevenage Marathon three years ago and said it was one of the toughest physical challenges he had ever taken on, with winds of up to 40 mph and some "soul-destroying climbs". He ran the Stevenage Marathon in October last year and said it was one of the toughest physical challenges he had ever taken on, with winds of up to 40 mph and some "soul-destroying climbs".
After waiting for verification, he has now received official confirmation that he holds the world record.After waiting for verification, he has now received official confirmation that he holds the world record.
He said: "Before the operation, I was a keen runner.He said: "Before the operation, I was a keen runner.
"Thanks to the amazing staff and treatment I received at Royal Papworth Hospital, I can return to my love of running and am delighted to have broken the world record at the same time.""Thanks to the amazing staff and treatment I received at Royal Papworth Hospital, I can return to my love of running and am delighted to have broken the world record at the same time."
Steven Tsui, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Papworth, said Mr Hunt's world record was a "testament to his strength and determination"Steven Tsui, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Papworth, said Mr Hunt's world record was a "testament to his strength and determination"
Steven Tsui, a consultant in cardiothoracic surgery at Papworth, said: "Alex breaking the world record is testament to his strength and determination to get back on his feet after a major operation."Steven Tsui, a consultant in cardiothoracic surgery at Papworth, said: "Alex breaking the world record is testament to his strength and determination to get back on his feet after a major operation."
Mr Hunt raised more than £1,700 for the Royal Papworth Charity by running the marathon.Mr Hunt raised more than £1,700 for the Royal Papworth Charity by running the marathon.
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