A TEENAGER saved from the wheelchair by a life-changing operation is in training for a special ten-mile run through Minneapolis.

Aged 14, Sally Hughes was a promising young swimmer when her coach noticed she was starting to slouch.

Medics diagnosed scoliosis, which can cause curvature of the spine and chronic back pain.

While some sufferers can get by with regular physiotherapy and a back brace, Sally needed surgery to avoid life in a wheelchair.

But after surgeons inserted metal rods either side of her spine in May 2013, she is fit and well, has taken to running and has been chosen as one of 24 people running the Medtronic 10 Mile Race in Minneapolis, USA this weekend (October 4) representing individuals who have overcome a life-changing medical condition.

Having left home in Durham to start studying geography at Loughborough University last week (September 24), the 18-year-old came down with “freshers’ flu”, but she still hopes to be on the start line Stateside on Sunday (October 4).

The teenager said: “Before the surgery I was in pain almost permanently, so I had to stop swimming and was put into a back brace. The back brace had to be worn all of the time so I couldn’t take part in any sports.

“But the surgery got rid of any previous pain and I can run now, which I couldn’t do before. Now I can take part in any activities I want to and I hope to keep running.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s race, she said: “I’m both nervous and excited. I’ve never raced ten miles so it’s a new experience for me.

“I’ve been working closely with my coach Allan Seheult (CORR) so I think I’m prepared for it, apart from this flu. It sounds like a great experience and I think I’ll meet some amazing people who’ve been in a similar position to me.”

Sally, who has been a member of Durham’s Elvet Striders running club, has already completed a triathlon and hopes to be involved in cycling or swimming at Loughborough, a university well known for its sporting reputation.