A Norwich boy who underwent life-saving heart surgery at the age of 10 is now one of the region’s top runners.

Matthew Bethel, 15, was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital just 12 hours after his birth where he was diagnosed with congenital heart disease.

As a result of the disease, he suffered with a number of health issues including a rapid heartbeat and extreme tiredness.

In 2018 Matthew underwent a lifesaving open heart surgery to rectify the problems.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich City legend Ken Brown with staff from the Tamarind in Blofield who held a charity dinner to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Football Against DementiaNorwich City legend Ken Brown with staff from the Tamarind in Blofield who held a charity dinner to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Football Against Dementia (Image: Newsquest)

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Five years on, he is now one of the best runners in Norfolk for his age group – competing for East Anglia at national running events.

Matthew, who attends Broadland High School, has also taken part in cycle rides and orienteering events with his dad, Ben.

The pair have even put their passion for fitness to good use in raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, with Ben running the London Marathon this year.

He said: "Matthew is now in the East Anglian junior squad so he's done pretty well given all the background.

"We've done a number of events to raise money for the hospital and this year it was the main sponsor for the London Marathon so I put in for that and it went alright.

Norwich Evening News: Groups from Football Against Dementia and Great Ormond Street Hospital at the Tamarind in BlofieldGroups from Football Against Dementia and Great Ormond Street Hospital at the Tamarind in Blofield (Image: Newsquest)

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"We've raised just over £4,000 as part of the marathon."

On top of that, one of the pair's favourite restaurants, the Tamarind in Blofield, decided to put on a charity dinner with Norwich City legend Ken Brown in attendance in aid of Great Ormond Street and Football Against Dementia, topping up the pair's donation.

Mr Bethel added: "It's a wonderful restaurant so it was a great night, we had plenty of people come down to support it.

"The two charities are going to work together more often in future now as we all got on so well."