AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager who has opted out of chemotherapy to slow the spread of cancer has described meeting his favourite Game of Thrones actress as the best day of his life.

Eighteen-year-old Kieran Maxwell, from Heighington, near Darlington, shared afternoon tea with the TV show’s star, Sophie Turner, who plays Winterfell heroine, Sansa Stark.

The pair’s date in London was arranged by the Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity that grant wishes for seriously ill children and teenagers across the country.

Kieran vowed to have as much fun as possible after learning the Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer that he has battled since childhood had spread to his heart and lungs.

The teenager, who lost his leg to the rare form of bone cancer in 2010, has since gone on to compete as a sprinter.

However, it was a dream of Kieran’s to meet 20-year-old Miss Turner, who took time out of her Game of Thrones filming schedule to chat to the Maxwell family.

Miss Turner said: “It was an absolute privilege to meet Kieran and help Rays of Sunshine grant his wish.

“He is such an inspirational teenager, what with his fundraising and training to become a Paralympian.

“It was a pleasure for me to spend time getting to know him and we had lots of fun chatting about Game of Thrones.”

Kieran’s parents, Nicola and Alastair, had applied to the charity for help with granting his greatest wish and the exclusive meeting was set up for Friday, November 11, in The Ivy Café, St John's Wood, in London.

Mrs Maxwell said: “We can’t thank Rays of Sunshine and Sophie Turner enough for granting Kieran’s wish.

“It was just incredible to see him smiling so much and for that we can’t be more grateful.

“Kieran’s wish meant a lot to him and the whole family and came at a time when we all needed it most.”

The sprinter shared his story with Miss Turner over afternoon tea before quizzing the Lady of Winterfell on how Games of Thrones is filmed and her experience of being on set.

Kieran said: “This day has been the best day of my life. Meeting Sophie Turner was a dream come true.”

A Light Up Heighington for Kieran campaign has been launched in the teenager’s home village to encourage residents to put up their Christmas decorations early in solidarity with the Maxwells.

The 18-year-old has also pledged to continue raising awareness for Ewing’s Sarcoma through The Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust.

To donate to the Kieran Maxwell Legacy, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/displaySomeoneSpecialPage.action?pageUrl=KieranMaxwell

For more information on the Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity or to apply for a wish, visit raysofsunshine.org.uk