TINY Joshua Wilkinson-Martin and his great uncle Joe Thornton have both beaten the odds to overcome heart problems.

Joshua, four months, was a surprise addition to the family when he was born on November 12 last year, weighing just 2lbs 2ozs.

Mother Lisa Martin, 21, of Ushaw Moor, near Durham City, thought she had a kidney problem, but scans revealed she was six months pregnant.

She was also suffering from pre-eclampsia - the most common cause of maternal deaths in the UK - and doctors performed an emergency Caesarean section to save her and her baby.

Joshua then underwent emergency heart surgery at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital to stop blood flowing into his lungs. He was allowed home at the end of last month and now weighs 5lbs 11ozs.

Joe, 48, has taken up running half marathons to keep fit since suffering a heart attack in 1998.

The food production operator, of New Brancepeth, was inspired by the bravery shown by his niece and Joshua and decided to use his running to raise cash for Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC) and increase awareness of the condition.

Pre-eclampsia is most common in first pregnancies or if a mother has changed partners, but the cause is unknown. High blood pressure can lead to kidney and lung damage or failure.

Lisa said: "Joe has had a bit of health trouble, but he is raising quite a bit of money which is really good. He dotes on Jos-hua, as does the whole family.

"It was great to get him home, because he was in hospital for 11 weeks, but he's terrible now because he's had me up all night. I don't mind, though, I'm just over the moon that he's home."

Joe, who is fund-raising with wife Sheila, 33, said: "I want everybody to know what this condition is by raising people's awareness, because people should understand it. Joshua has had his problems early in life and I have had mine in mid-life. I can do something to about my condition and it's up to the family to help him."

Joe has raised several hundred pounds for APEC and the fund will receive a further boost from a raffle to be drawn at the Somerfield supermarket, Langley Moor, on April 15. Top prize is a hot-air balloon flight around Newcastle