WHEN 18-year-old sprinter Kieran Maxwell learnt the devastating news that his cancer had returned for a third time in October 2016, he vowed to have “as much fun as possible”.

He was true to his word.

The Heighington teenager was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in October 2010, which resulted in him having his left leg amputated at the knee.

But Kieran was determined to overcome every obstacle that was in front of him.

Never was this more evident than in 2012, when aged 13, he got the chance to carry the Olympic torch through Bishop Auckland as part of its journey to London.

He joined a disabled gymnastics club in Newton Aycliffe to build up his strength to enable him to walk the 300 metres with the flame.

Despite stumbling midway through, he completed his leg of the relay.

“I am really excited to carry the torch, but I am nervous too because so many people will be watching me,” said Kieran – just days before his big moment.

His family have always done everything to support him. In 2011, they started the Kieran Maxwell Fund to raise money for his treatment and prosthetic limbs. Over the years, it raised thousands.

But in May 2013, they were “knocked for six” when a chest X-ray during a routine check-up revealed the heart-breaking news that his cancer had returned.

“It has been a big shock, but he is going to fight it,” his mother Nicola said at the time.

The week previous, Kieran triumph in a national gymnastics competition, with his partner Abbie Ramsey, from Shildon, despite finding out his cancer had returned just days earlier.

He was told in December of that year he was in remission once more. In the meantime, he had competed in the mini Great North Run to raise money for charity.

Despite everything he had been through, Kieran’s dreams of competing in the Paralympics in Rio never diminished.

He jetted off to South America in November 2015 after being invited to represent Great Britain in the Paralympic School Games in Brazil.

“My mum didn’t know what to say – I saw her coming over and she was shaking. I was shocked. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Kieran at the time.

Aged 17, he took gold in the T42 100m sprint, and he received a hero’s welcome when he returned to his studies at Darlington College.

“It was very hot, and very crazy”, said Kieran. “It was good fun, I really enjoyed it.”

Although Kieran wasn’t selected to compete in Rio, he still remained optimistic.

“I’m only 17, so there’s plenty of time – if I don’t get to Brazil, there’s always 2020.”

However in October last year, a chest x-ray during a routine check-up revealed that the teenager’s cancer has returned and spread around his heart and lung.

But even this didn’t stop him having “as much fun as possible”

In November last year, he described meeting and sharing afternoon tea with his favourite Game of Thrones actress, Sophie Turner – who plays Sansa Stark - as the best day of his life.

“It was an absolute privilege to meet Kieran,” said Miss Turner “He is such an inspirational teenager and we had lots of fun chatting about Game of Thrones.”

The same month, the Police Interceptors decided to take him for a spin around Darlington in an armed response vehicle.

“It was crazy - I got to listen to the police radio and Damo told me all about how he chases people down if they run away,” said Kieran.

And then late last year, due to his illness, his home village celebrated Christmas early with a special carol service and evening of festivities, with the help of neighbours, councillors and a few famous friends, “I want to thank everybody for doing all of this for me for the past six years, it has been incredible,” said Kieran.

Despite a heartbreaking seven years, Kieran’s bravery and courage meant he did indeed have as much fun as possible.