A SCHOOLBOY who underwent a lifesaving operation nine years ago beat off competition from more than 60 runners to win a charity race.
Joel Atkin was born with a hole in his heart and had to undergo surgery at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, on his second birthday.
Now 11, Joel is a member of Derwentside Athletics Club and won the Sport Relief Mile, at the Peases West Leisure Centre, in Crook.
"When the race started, I just decided to go as fast as I could, and somehow, when I got to the end of the race, I looked round and everyone was miles behind me," said Joel, from Durham City.
The Crook mile was sponsored by the Prince Bishops shopping centre.
Centre manager Richard Toynbee said: "Joel is a terrific example to youngsters everywhere and we're tremendously proud of all that he is achieving."
The race was held on March 15.
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