TWO toddlers with heart defects who have become best friends since meeting in hospital will unite Saints and Wigan on Good Friday – when their courage will inspire supporters from both sides on a charity walk.

Eighteen-month-old James Travis from Laffak and 22-month-old Bobby Baldwin from Wigan got to know each other when their parents met in a hospital waiting room and bonded over rugby.

Both parents are staunch rugby supporters of their hometown clubs – but they will use the traditional rivalry and love of the sport as a power for good to support Alder hey Children's Hospital, which has helped their sons.

James’ parents Terry and Michelle Travis will join Bobby’s mum and dad Emma Doherty and John Baldwin on a walk from Saints' Totally Wicked Stadium to the DW Stadium in Wigan on April 14, starting from 8am.

Terry, 34, said: “We walked into the waiting room in Alder Hey and I saw Bobby’s dad John wearing a Wigan Warriors shirt so we joked around a bit.

“It was then our families realised what we had in common and the mums in particular have been a real comfort to each other as we understand what the other family is going through and vice versa.

“This walk is about thanking the hospital which has helped to save both of our lads lives while showing people that rugby is a family orientated sport.

“We may be from different teams but the sport makes people come together and we hope both communities can help us.”

James was born with his heart being on the wrong side of his body, twisted valves and a hole in his heart.

His best bud Bobby has MAPCAs, which means he was not born with a pulmonary artery, has three holes in his heart and lung problems.

Both boys have had several procedures to help their conditions and the families have been there for one another through the difficult journey.

Bobby’s mum Emma Doherty, 30, added: “With Bobby’s condition we can’t have him in nursery because he is susceptible to catch stuff but so does James, so they have each other as friends and Michelle and I have each other.

“Knowing we can moan about our situation to someone who isn’t family and that they understand is amazing.

“We are big Wigan fans and are made up to be doing this, using the love of our boys and rugby to help the hospital.”

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