A PARALYMPIC hopeful who lost part of a leg to cancer is appealing for sponsorship as he looks to continue his promising gymnastics career.

Kieran Maxwell, from Heighington, near Darlington, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in 2010, resulting in his left leg being amputated at the knee.

Last year, a fundraising group set up to buy prosthetic limbs for the 14-year-old was boosted by a five-figure donation from Euromillions lottery jackpot winners Chris and Colin Weir.

Kieran and his gymnastics partner, eight-year-old Abbie Ramsey, from Shildon, are preparing for a national competition, to be held in Stoke on Trent, in May.

The pair, who are both members of the Athena Sports Academy, qualified for the finals following a regional heat in South Shields earlier this month.

Kieran’s mother, Nicola, hopes a sponsor can be found to cover costs for the trip – including accommodation, transport, equipment and training.

Mrs Maxwell said: “Kieran’s coach put him and Abbie together when he first started going to gymnastics.

“There has to be a certain height and age difference, so they were a good fit.

“They are the same ability, Abbie is able-bodied, and they get on brilliantly; she is like his little sister.

“The finals are on May 18 and 19, but we do not find out until two days before which day they are going to be competing on, so we have had to find a hotel for the full two days.

“We are looking for someone to help with the financial outlay – Kieran and Abbie need more coaching to get them ready.”

Mrs Maxwell estimates the level of support needed to be between £300 and £500.

Kieran, who last year was fitted with a customised leg to allow him to compete in gymnastics, travelled to Birmingham earlier this week to take part in a ‘learn to run’ clinic.

Mrs Maxwell remains hopeful that his sport – artistic gymnastics – will be selected as a Paralympic sport in the future.

She said his taking part in the finals is not conditional on finding financial support, but added it would make things easier.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Mrs Maxwell on 07596-193-981.

:: Meanwhile, a fundraising night in aid of the Kieran Maxwell Trust will be held at Hall Garth Hotel, in Darlington, on Saturday, May 11, at 7.30pm. There will be a disco, buffet and a singer. Tickets cost £25 and are available from the First Stop Party Shop, in North Road, Darlington. Call 01325-350451.