HEART patient Harrison Johnson's success at his school sports day was, like other milestones in his young life, achieved against huge odds.

The battling Newport five-year-old's medal-winning effort was the sweeter for his loved ones because they never believed they would see him go to school, let alone take part in such an event.

Harrison survived gruelling heart and lung by-pass surgery at the age of seven months, but complications included two strokes, brain damage, partial paralysis, liver, kidney, gut and bowel problems.

Five years ago, he hovered close to death at Birmingham's Children's Hospital. Each day he survived was a triumph.

From June to October 1999 he needed a general anaesthetic 12 times for a series of minor operations.

A further five-and-a-half hours of heart surgery followed in spring 2001.

So good was his recovery he was home within two weeks, and his progress since has amazed and inspired those around him.

The latest incarnation of that inspiration is the £1,250 raised for the hospital by regulars through themed fundraising events at the Ridgeway pub, Ridgeway Avenue, Newport, run by Harrison's grandparents.

"People have been incredibly generous, especially our regulars and the Talgarth Bakery, but when they hear what a battler Harrison is, they want to help," said his mother Maria. "He's a really happy child, and he's taken to school (Glasllwch primary) very well.

"We were dreading it but the teachers have been brilliant.

"We look back and can't quite believe he's come through. At times he seemed to be slipping away, but he wouldn't let go.

"We have to be careful he doesn't overdo things and it's difficult because he wants to play football and rugby. Sports day was fantastic, but afterwards he had to come home. It was too much."

Despite all he has come through, Harrison requires more major heart surgery.

"He goes to Birmingham on July 19 and might get a date for his next operation," said Mrs Johnson.

"He recovered brilliantly last time, but there's always the possibility of the problems he had after the first operation happening again.

"But Birmingham is absolutely the best place.

"The surgeons and nurses have worked wonders. That's why we say thank you by fundraising and this £1,250 is our latest effort."