AN INSPIRATIONAL young heart patient from Efailwen has been named a Heart Hero at a star-studded awards ceremony in London.

Ten-year-old Llew John from Efailwen in Carmarthenshire won a Hero Award at the British Heart Foundation's (BHF) National Heart Heroes Awards held at the Underglobe (underneath the iconic Shakespeare's Globe theatre) on Friday, October 5.

Llew was born with a heart condition and underwent his first open-heart surgery when he was just nine days old. He has had two further open-heart surgeries, the last one in June 2017.

On his tenth birthday Llew selflessly asked for donations to the BHF instead of gifts. When his friends heard about this, they also donated money to Llew so it could be given to the BHF and raised almost £500.

Llew attended the awards with his parents and little sister Mabli. He received his award from Welsh pop icon Shakin' Stevens.

"I was really happy and surprised to receive this award," said Llew. "I had the idea to ask for money instead of birthday presents because I really want to help other children like me who have heart conditions to get better."

He was among 14 award winners who have shown remarkable bravery or have gone above and beyond to help others while coping with the devastating impact of heart and circulatory disease.

Guests and award presenters included Welsh pop icon Shakin' Stevens, football legend David Seaman, TV Doctor Dr Hilary Jones, Shameless actress Karen Bryson and Inbetweeners star Alex Macqueen.

"Our Heart Hero Award winners and nominees come from different walks of life and from every part of the UK," said Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the BHF.

"They range from incredible children to remarkable pensioners. But they all share a spirit that embodies all that is best about the UK.

"Without our supporters, we cannot fund research that beings new hope to the seven million people living with conditions such as stroke, coronary heart disease, vascular dementia and diabetes.

"I'm in no doubt that their dedication and selflessness will mean more lives will be saved from heart and circulatory disease, so thank you and congratulations to everyone who was nominated."

To fundraise for the BHF and to find out more about the charity's life saving research, visit www.bhf.org.uk.