A TEENAGE cancer survivor has joined the call for nominations to a national awards, one year on from winning in the inspirational young person category.

Paralympic hopeful Kieran Maxwell, from Heighington, near Darlington, has shown an indomitable spirit since his diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer in 2010 – a condition which resulted in his left leg being amputated at the knee.

Last year, he was picked from hundreds of nominations as one of the winners in the WellChild awards and enjoyed meeting Prince Harry at a glittering ceremony in London.

Now, the teenager is calling on others to enter the annual event, which celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people and the dedication of the people who go that extra mile to make a real difference to their lives.

With his cancer in remission Kieran didn’t simply learn to walk with his new prosthetic leg, but decided to life live to the full and take on further challenges.

He successfully trained in acrobatic gymnastics but just days before the national championships learned that his cancer had returned. Not wanting to let down his partner, Kieran asked for his treatment to be delayed so they could take part. The couple went on to win Gold becoming British Champions.

Kieran continued fundraising and training during treatment and needing to challenge himself yet further, is now showing tremendous talent at 100 metre sprint and working towards a place in the British Paralympic team in Rio.

WellChild is calling on people in the area to put forward their 2016 nominations in all categories for the Awards, an event which can make a real impact on the morale of the winners, their families and others who provide care and support.

Kieran said: “My whole family had such a fantastic evening at the WellChild Awards in London.

"It was such a great experience and something we will never forget. I was so inspired to meet the other winners.

"It would be terrific for someone else from my home area to be a winner this year so I hope people keep nominating, whether it is a child, a young person like me, a doctor or other health worker.”

The 2015 ceremony saw children and professionals from across the country being awarded for their exceptional bravery and care.

If you know someone who deserves special recognition then nominate them for the WellChild Awards by visiting wellchild.org.uk or contacting the charity on 01242-530007 to request a nomination form.

The closing date for all entries is Monday, May 2.