TEENAGER Ben O'Neill has thanked a team of more than 20 experts who saved his life by performing a world-first keyhole heart operation.
The right side of the 14-year-old's heart had swollen to twice its normal size because the main artery was blocked – so surgeons decided to try a procedure never attempted before.
During the five-hour operation at Leicester's Glenfield Hospital, they inserted a stent and valve into Ben's heart to repair the crushed artery.
Now, just weeks after the surgery, Ben – from East Leake – is back on the pitch playing for Kegworth Town Cricket Club.
The brave teenager said: "It's great to be back on the cricket pitch again. Before the operation I had to take regular breaks before stopping playing altogether."
It was the fourth time Ben had undergone surgery after he was born with a rare heart defect.
Last autumn Ben started to complain of breathlessness while exercising. After a series of MRI scans, doctors told Ben's parents that he needed urgent treatment. Now, after the latest op in March, they finally believe Ben's heart has been repaired – for good.
For parents Rebecca and Sean O'Neill, and brother Sam, 17, it has brought an end to years of worry.
Mrs O'Neill, 47, a teacher, said: "You lie awake at night thinking 'he has already had three ops, can he really have another?'. But we are so grateful for the work the doctors have done. When they said he was completely better we almost didn't believe them."