A campaigning mum who has raised more than £60,000 for cancer research in memory of her Paralympian son has announced details of her latest fundraising event.
Talented athlete and gymnast Kieran Maxwell, of Heighington, near Darlington, died from a rare form of cancer in 2017 when he was just 18.
Each year, his family organises the Kieran Maxwell Track and Field Open in his memory, with the eighth event taking place at Shildon Athletics Track, at Sunnydale Leisure Centre, on Sunday, April 12.
Kieran’s mum, Nicola, said: “This event means so much to me as it shows how much Kieran meant to his friends.
“It keeps his memory and legacy alive so that, one day, no other parent will hear the phrase ‘I’m sorry, but there is no further treatment, you child is going to die’. Please come along and support us.”
Kieran lost his left leg after being diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in 2010 but continued to inspire others through his passion for sport.
He carried the Olympic Torch through Bishop Auckland in 2012, won Gold at the Brazilian Paralympic School Games in 2015, and was scheduled to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Kieran also took part in the Great North Run while undergoing chemotherapy.
After being told his condition was terminal, the former Hummersknott Academy pupil established the Kieran Maxwell Legacy charity to help fund research into the disease.
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His family have gone on to raise more than £60,000, which is ring-fenced for Ewin’s Sarcoma Research by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Foundation.
Nicola hopes more than 300 athletes will take part in this year’s Kieran Maxwell Track and Field Open, featuring a variety of events. The first event starts at 9.45am and it runs until approximately 3.30pm.
Entry costs £10 with each participant receiving a commemorative medal as well as knowing they are supporting a great cause.
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