GLENHAVEN resident Daniel Berry has overcome a brain tumour and two bouts of chemotherapy to win the National School Cross Country Championship in Brisbane last week.

Running for the first time at the National Schools Cross Country event, Berry was surprised to win and put it down to his versatility having already represented Australia in both soccer and swimming.

``It was really surreal. I didn't expect to win at all,'' Berry said.

``I was diagnosed with a tumour three years ago and was restricted to a hospital bed; never did I think I would be able to do something like this.''

Competing in the cerebral palsy category and suffering weakness down the left-hand side of his body, Berry battled poor racing conditions to finish the race in 12 minutes and 6 seconds.

The school-based circuit which was badly affected by mud this year after a tropical downpour left the course with boggy conditions.

Running in slippery conditions, Berry edged out defending winner Mitchell Pink and crossed the finish line with the best time.

After crossing the finish line Berry was made to wait to find out whether he had won the race, due to a special percentage ranking awarded to athletes with a disability.

``Our finishing time is compared to the world record for our disability category and then a percentage is calculated to determine a winner,'' he said. ``I managed to finish with a good time and was announced the winner by the judges.''