At just one day old, Owen Rath had to undergo the trauma of open heart surgery after being born with a benign tumour in his artery.

Against the odds the youngster, from Kingswinford, fought his way through the medical procedure. And six years later he has again proved his fighting spirit after now gaining his junior black belt in karate. The Dawley Brook Primary School pupil, who is a member of the Little Dragons group, has proved his illness is no barrier to being a sporting star after gaining the accolade on Sunday.

Owen has been attending karate lessons at Rob Locks Martial Academy in Lye for two years.

But proud parents Graham and Chris remember all too well a truly ghastly Halloween night in 2001 when the plucky youngster was rushed to hospital.

Owen was born at Wordsley Hospital but 24 hours later he was transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s intensive care unit.

Fears were high the youngster would not pull through due to his extremely young age and the serious nature of the procedure.

Mr Rath said it had been an agonising wait while the surgery took place.

“He was in surgery for four hours and we didn’t think he would make it,” he said.

“It was a very serious condition as the tumour could have stopped the blood getting through.

“He has a scar halfway down his chest but it’s not something that stops him.

“He’s always on the go. We are very proud of him.”

Mr Rath said his son had worked hard for his black belt and also started training with the adults at the academy.

“We hope this helps anyone else going through something similar to see they can get through,” he added.

Owen also plays football with Kewford Eagles and is a keen Thai boxer.

He continues to go for regular two-year check ups to monitor his heart.