Stroud couple climb down O2 arena in London for important cause

Naomi Hughes and Rhys Coates climbed the 02 to raise money for heart heroes after the support given to them and their daughter Martha-Mai. 

Daughter Martha Mai, who is now three years of age, has already overcome many obstacles such as heart surgery for a complex heart condition when she was just seven months old.

Naomi said: "We have been raising money for Heart Heroes, a charity that provides support and advice for families with children who have a life long heart condition.

"They provide inclusive projects, subsidised day trips and events, mental health & wellbeing support, in hospital support as well as monthly hubs and bereavement support.

"When our daughter was seven months old, she had life saving heart surgery at Bristol Children's hospital.

"Her surgery took seven+ hours and was very complicated as her heart condition is very rare.

"Thankfully she made a full recovery after a few complications."

Following the experience, Naomi explained what it was like to climb down the building of one of the nation's iconic buildings. 

She said: "We drove to London  to meet up with the rest of the group, got harnessed up and stood on the steps at the bottom of the 02.

"It looks quite high up from the bottom, the walkway isn't solid or steps like I was expecting, it's bouncy like a trampoline.

"We stopped several times up on the way up to look at the view and our guide pointed out different buildings.

"When we got to the top we spent 20 minutes just looking all around and taking pictures. 

"The climb down was actually a bit harder because it's a steep climb down bouncy material.

"The whole climb was amazing and we would definitely do it again.

"We raised £465 but in total the whole group raised over £1500."