Teenager who fell over with Olympic torch gets a new leg

Thirteen-year-old Kieran Maxwell fell on account of his heavy prosthetic limb when he ...

14:15 02 August 2012

Thirteen-year-old Kieran Maxwell fell on account of his heavy prosthetic limb when he carried the Olympic torch last month. Maxwell, who had his left leg amputated after he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Ewings Sarcoma, had to be helped from the ground in Bishop Auckland, County Durham during the Olympic torch relay. 

 

The scene was heartrending, and even Britain’s biggest Euromillionaires seem touched by the scene. 

 

Euromillionaires Colin and Chris Weir will pay a five-figure amount to give the teenager a new prosthetic leg, this time a lightweight one that will allow him to ‘walk, run, and climb just like his friends’, according to Maxwell’s emotional mother Nicola. 

 

The leg amputation was not the only effect that the cancer had on Maxwell. The brave 13-year-old also underwent chemotherapy after he was diagnosed with the disease in October of 2010. Ewings Sarcoma affects over 50 children every year.

 

Despite his artificial leg, Maxwell has been determined to stay active, although his prosthetic limb tends to slow him down. His parents Astair and Nicola were still trying to raise enough money to buy him a lighter model from the United States when Euromillions winners Colin and Chris stepped in. 

 

Maxwell, who ‘screamed with delight’ at the news, will have his new leg within six weeks.