Lotto winners get torch-carrying teen new prosthetic leg

Aug 1, 2012, 8:49 am (17 comments)

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A 13-year-old who lost a leg to cancer will get a new life-changing prosthetic limb from Britain's biggest-ever lottery jackpot winners.

Heartrendingly Kieran Maxwell had to be helped from the ground after he fell carrying the Olympic torch last month in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, because of his current heavy artificial leg.

But now he will be able to "walk, run and climb just like his friends," his emotional mother Nicola said today, thanks to Euromillionaires Colin and Chris Weir.

Despite undergoing gruelling chemotherapy the brave 13-year-old had his left leg amputated below the knee in March last year.

He was diagnosed with the rare and aggressive cancer called Ewings Sarcoma, which affects fewer than 30 children a year, in October 2010.

Since then Kieran has been determined to remain active but his current replacement limb is heavy and slows him down, so his parents Nicola and Alistair decided to try to raise the cash to buy him a lighter model from the US.

But EuroMillions winners Colin and Chris Weir from Ayrshire — who won £161 million (US$252 million) in a draw a year ago — heard about Kieran's battle and stepped in with a five-figure donation to buy the new leg outright.

And Kieran is said to have "screamed with delight" at the life-changing news and will have his leg within six weeks.

The unexpected donation came after the grandmother of Kieran's school friend, who lives in the same village as the Weirs, contacted them to ask if they could help.

Kiernan's mom Nicola Maxwell said, "Kieran is our hero and we have been touched by all the support and kindness we've received since he was diagnosed with cancer.

"We thought it was going to take a long time to raise the money for a new prosthetic leg, but this donation from Chris and Colin means Kieran can get his new leg within six weeks. We can't explain how much this means to us and Kieran.

"He screamed when he heard the news because it means that not only will he be able to walk again like all his friends, he will be able to run and climb too.

"We can't thank the Weirs enough, because this will really change his life.

"Kieran started yelling and dancing around when he heard. He couldn't believe it. I am still pinching myself.

"What they have done for Kieran will be a small drop in the ocean for them but for him it will change his life.

"He can go back to being a normal boy. He can be himself. Words cannot describe what they have done."

The Lottery winners paid tribute to his bravery and said it was privilege to help.

Mrs. Weir said, "When we heard about Kieran and his family's fantastic efforts to raise money for a new prosthetic leg, we had to help.

"It is a privilege to support him and, with this new leg, we hope he will continue to be determined to remain active and live life to the full."

Kieran's parents will continue to fundraise, but will now hand over proceeds to the Toma Fund, which helps teenagers with cancer.

News story photo(Click to display full-size in gallery)

Daily Mail, Lottery Post Staff

Comments

RedStang's avatarRedStang

One day he'll be running in the 400m.

mcginnin56

Heart warming story. Very courageous teen!

 

Too bad more American lottery winners can't be doing similar good deeds. (unless their under the radar, and were not hearing about?)

zinniagirl's avatarzinniagirl

First, congratulations to the young man!   He will be happier with the new lighter leg.  Thank you to the couple who donated it!

I imagine there are quite a few US lottery winners who do similar deeds definitely under the radar.   The news makes such a huge deal about lotterywinners and how they spend their money that it is only wise to go silently. 

I don;'t know if you remember the churches that have turned down donations from lottery winners.   The nuns who recieved a winning lottery ticket anonomously(?) in the mail.

If you donate large amounts publicly, you become a target for donation schemes.

Cletu$2's avatarCletu$2

If you donate large amounts publicly, you become a target for donation schemes.

 

 

 

I Agree! Its best to fly under the radar.

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Congrats to Kieran Maxwell!

Such a kind thing to do for him

Seattlejohn

Proof positive that not all lottery winners lose their minds...

hearsetrax's avatarhearsetrax

Quote: Originally posted by Seattlejohn on Aug 1, 2012

Proof positive that not all lottery winners lose their minds...

I Agree!

cbr$'s avatarcbr$

This was very thoughtful of Colin & Chris Weir to give this donation to Kieran for his new leg. While is parents are still counting down by weeks. It's a very strong probability he already marking off the day like a child at Christmas time. By the time his parents start counting by the day. Kieran will be able to tell how many hours.   Congrat's to Colin & Chris Weir as winner of the Euro- Million Jackpot. Good Luck too Kieran Maxwell. Hope you get to enjoy a whole lot of fun running and climbing, with your little friends now.                                                    Good story Todd.Party

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

I love stories like this Hurray!

Piaceri

Quote: Originally posted by dallascowboyfan on Aug 1, 2012

I love stories like this Hurray!

Ditto.

Congrats to Kieran, and God Bless the Weirs for stepping up. 

 

I agree about staying under the radar when giving to causes. Publicity only brings on the scammers and the takers.

MADDOG10's avatarMADDOG10

Thanks to the weir's, such a very kind thing to do.

Congratulations to Kerian Maxwell, I hope you do run the olympics one day... 

fja's avatarfja

Quote: Originally posted by MADDOG10 on Aug 1, 2012

Thanks to the weir's, such a very kind thing to do.

Congratulations to Kerian Maxwell, I hope you do run the olympics one day... 

what he said!!!\

Thinking of...

MADDOG10's avatarMADDOG10

Quote: Originally posted by MADDOG10 on Aug 1, 2012

Thanks to the weir's, such a very kind thing to do.

Congratulations to Kerian Maxwell, I hope you do run the olympics one day... 

Meaning he might someday run in the Special Olympics with his new prosthtic leg...

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by MADDOG10 on Aug 2, 2012

Meaning he might someday run in the Special Olympics with his new prosthtic leg...

I Agree!      And may he also SHATTER the world record in whatever track & field event he chooses, and take home the Gold Metal!

 

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