Kieran Maxwell who lost a leg to cancer “started yelling and dancing” when he heard Britain’s biggest lottery prize winners will buy him a new prosthetic limb, his mother has said.
The 13-year-old from Heighington, near Darlington, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, and had his left leg amputated below the knee in March last year.
Kieran Maxwell ran with the Olympic torch and is happy to receive the donation © PA
Kieran has been determined to remain active and took part in the Olympic Torch Relay when it passed through Bishop Auckland in County Durham. Unfortunately he stumbled to the ground when carrying the Olympic torch but was helped up before continuing.
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His current replacement limb is heavy and restricts his movement, so his parents Nicola and Alistair decided to try to fundraise the cash to buy him a lighter model.
But when Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs, heard of his plight through the grandmother of one of Kieran’s friends they stepped in to donate part of their £161m prize money.
Nicola said: “Kieran started yelling and dancing around when he heard. He couldn’t believe it. I am still pinching myself.
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Euromillions winners Colin and Chris Weir © Rex
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“What they have done for Kieran will be a small drop in the ocean for them but for him it will change his life.
“He can go back to being a normal boy. He can be himself. Words cannot describe what they have done.”
The lottery-winning couple pledged to share their good fortune after winning the Euromillions jackpot last July.
Mr Weir said: “It is a privilege to support him and, with this new leg, we hope he will continue to be determined to remain active and live life to the full, despite his cancer and amputation.”
Kieran’s parents will continue to fundraise, but will now hand over proceeds to the Toma Fund, which helps teenagers with cancer.
