A BRAVE teenager is geared up for the trip of a lifetime as a VIP guest at the British Grand Prix.

James Gregory, 13, from Stockton, has been invited to join Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone after his mother saw an advert at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London.

The Bishopsgarth School pupil was diagnosed with Goldenhar syndrome, a rare condition that affects the heart and causes facial problems, when he was only six weeks old.

He has already undergone 32 operations.

While he was having an operation last year, his mother Lesley, 50, noticed the treat in a hospital magazine.

She said: “James has really got into Formula 1 recently, so I thought he would really enjoy it.

“I was really surprised when I got a call.”

James, along with his mother and sister, Lara, 12, will join other patients from the hospital for the trip.

The family will be guests of Mr Ecclestone on Sunday, July 10, and will enjoy a behind- the-scenes tour and meet some of the drivers before watching the race.

Miss Gregory said: “James has been through a lot. He has had 32 operations so far and he has more to come, but he does not let it get him down.

“His favourite driver is Jenson Button at the moment.

“He also likes Lewis Hamilton.

Fingers crossed he will get to meet them.”

Formula 1 is helping to raise funds for a new heart and lung centre at the hospital. To donate, go to gosh.org