A YOUNG rugby player who was named Darlington’s “Shining Star” is taking part in medical trials to help research into his potentially fatal condition.

Lyle Godfrey, who has Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, received the prize at the Vibe Awards at the Dolphin Centre on Tuesday.

Lyle, 15, was diagnosed with the condition, which makes the body less able to cope with stress - either emotionally or physically - just after birth.

Whist he was in primary school, Lyle took part in research at Cambridge University, and is now helping with ideas for a new app to help those with the condition, as well as the trials.

His mother, Jackie Godfrey, said Lyle decided from an early age he wasn’t going to let physical limitations “stop him from being what he wants to be, and to do what he wants to do”.

“It was really difficult, at first we thought he had a heart condition, as it was beating really slow,” she said.

“A consultant came to see us with the diagnosis, and he has been with Lyle throughout – I can’t speak highly enough about how helpful they’ve been.

Lyle now plays rugby for Mowden Park and Durham Tigers - defying doctor’s expectations.

“His week is always busy – he has joined the police cadets and he wants to go into higher education so he can go into the police or the Ministry of Defence,” said Ms Godfrey.

“He has been to a college in Loughborough and he was really interested.

“It has been really challenging for him, both emotionally and physically, and you have to deal with the realisation as you grow up.”

As well as rugby, Lyle enjoys cycling and spent a day riding around the velodrome used for the London 2010 Olympic Games, and received some tuition from gold medallists Jason and Laura Kenny.

“It was so lovely – one of those days that you’ll never forget,” said Ms Godfrey.