Darlington Building Society is helping local Darlington Paralympic hopeful, Kieran Maxwell, raise the money he needs to reach the prestigious games this summer.
Kieran needs financial support to allow him to travel to competitions all over Europe and here in the UK to put in him in with a chance of being able to compete in Rio.
Any funds Kieran raises to help achieve his Paralympic dream, Darlington Building Society will match to help him reach his £3,000 target.
The 17-year-old was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, at age 12 and in 2011 had his leg amputated as a result of the disease. After beating cancer twice, Kieran is now a classified T/F42 sprinter and uses a running blade to compete in both mainstream and disability sports.
To celebrate its 160th birthday this year, Darlington Building Society is helping to raise £160,000 to local causes, one being Kieran’s hopeful journey to Rio.
Colin Fyfe, Chief Executive of Darlington Building Society, said: “Kieran’s story is such an inspiration, everyone at Darlington Building Society is honoured to be able to help him on his momentous journey to this year’s games in Brazil.
“Supporting local causes is a vital part of our company ethos and I can’t think of anymore more worthy or deserving of our support than Kieran. I hope we see him competing in Rio and flying the flag for Darlington”.
Kieran Maxwell said: “I am eternally grateful to Darlington Building Society for helping me towards my goal of making it to Rio. Competing in the Paralympic games would be an absolute dream come true for me and I am so thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
Kieran’s first objective is to reduce him 100 metre time to qualify him for a competition in Berlin in July which will go a long way in opening the door to the Rio dream.