Kieran was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in October 2010 a childhood cancer. He became confined to a wheelchair needing help with everything. He had full body scans and samples taken from the tumor to check it hadn’t spread. A central line was fitted for chemotherapy to start after 1 week lasting for 6 months. He lost 10kgs, his hair and nearly his life.
On 31st March 2011 he had an amputation at just 12 years old. He had a further 8 months of chemo before remission.
He’s now having rehabilitation to get him walking with his prosthetic leg. During his remission he was chosen to carry the Olympic torch, but being Kieran he wanted to walk not use his wheelchair. This however would take strength, something Kieran did not have.
Athena Sports Academy of Newton Aycliffe saw Kieran’s story in the Newton News and invited him along to build up his strength through gymnastics. Kieran realised that he could really succeed in gymnastics, and so after only a few weeks he entered his first gymnastics competition where he won a gold medal. But this was only the start for Kieran and he is now aiming high training for regional acro competitions with the hope of qualifying for the nationals.
He recently took part in a display at the Leisure Centre along with his very talented gymnastics partner Abbie Ramsey (aged 7) performing a cheeky and fun acro pairs routine.
Kieran has even progressed to mainstream classes pushing himself even more. Through all the work from coaches Sam Robson, Gerry Fuller and Jeff Wade, Kieran eventually built his strength up and was able to stand up tall and carry the torch through Bishop Auckland on 17th June. He is an inspiration to all, never giving up, and he has overcome the biggest mountains to be where he is today.
For more information on Athena Sports Academy please contact Sam on 01388 605946