A TEENAGER whose courageous battle with a rare form of cancer resulted in him losing a leg has been recognised with an award from a charity.

Kieran Maxwell, 13, was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a tumour which attacks bone and soft tissue, in October last year, and needed surgery to amputate his lower left leg.

He also underwent almost a year of chemotherapy to beat the cancer and now uses a prosthetic limb.

Kieran, who lives in Heighington, near Darlington, has received a star-shaped chrome trophy from Cancer Research UK for the bravery he showed throughout his treatment.

The awards, sponsored by high street chain TKMaxx, acknowledge the challenges faced by youngsters who encounter cancer.

Kieran was nominated by his mother, Nicola, who said: "I nominated my son for a Cancer Research UK Little Star Award because this past year he has battled against Ewing's sarcoma, which is a rare cancer that has taken from him his lower left leg, meaning he had to use a wheelchair and crutches and now has a prosthetic leg.

"Kieran was a child who was extremely active - always climbing and running about, and never still for one minute - then suddenly he was a child dependent on everyone for his basic needs.

"My son is my star and I am extremely proud of him."

Kieran also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card and a certificate signed by celebrities, including popstar Leona Lewis, rapper Tinie Tempah, sporting heroes Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis, and Harry Potter star Rupert Grint.

Kieran was diagnosed after his mother took him to the doctor when she noticed a swelling in his leg.

When antibiotics failed to have any effect, he was x-rayed and then sent to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, for more tests.

He was diagnosed on October 29, last year, and put on a course of chemotherapy, which finished in September this year.

Tests showed the cancer was confined to the lower part of Kieran's left leg, which doctors amputated on March 31.

Kieran now has regular check-ups, but is back at school full-time and undergoing physiotherapy.

Paul Wadsworth, Cancer Research UK's spokesman for the North-East, said: "Kieran is a true Little Star, who richly deserves this accolade.

"We hope to acknowledge the bravery of many more children like Kieran across the region and are encouraging family and friends to get nominating now."

Tonominate a Little Star or donate, visit cancerresearch uk. org/littlestar