Heartfelt: Despite working through many of her own health battles, Moonee Ponds resident Ashlee London is a great supporter of the Heart Kids charity. Picture: Marco De Luca
MOONEE Ponds resident Ashlee London has had more than her share of setbacks in life yet she spends as much time as she can spare helping others.
Ashlee was born in 1986 and had trouble putting on weight. She was operated on to treat a hole in her heart and a narrow valve.
While she recovered from the heart surgery, she seemed prone to other infections such as whooping cough and croup.
Ashlee finally became a healthy little girl and was told she wouldn't have to be assessed for more surgery until age 12.
But at 15 she had more heart-related trouble.
Sitting in class at school she started sweating profusely and puffing as though she had run a marathon.
Taken to emergency, it was discovered her heart rate had reached a whopping 220 beats. That day she was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, and she has had two similar attacks since.
Ashlee has never let the condition stop her being active and generous.
In 2010, she completed her first triathlon to raise money for Breast Cancer Research and is seeking sponsorship to run in this Sunday's Run Melbourne Event.
All money raised will go towards charity Heart Kids, which is dedicated to providing support to families of children dealing with heart disease.
"I heard about Heart Kids, heard they were not-for-profit and decided to help them out," Ashlee said.
"It's hasn't been too bad. If I'm really out of breath I just stop what I'm doing."
To sponsor Ashlee, visit runmelbourne.everydayhero.com.au/ashlee--london--7