THE family of an inspirational teenager who passed away last year are holding a charity dinner to raise money in his memory.

Kieran Maxwell, from Heighington, near Darlington, died in June 2017 after losing a near seven-year battle with cancer.

The young athlete lost his left leg after being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma – a rare form of bone cancer – in October 2010.

He received widespread acclaim after twice beating the condition in the hope of representing Great Britain in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.

However, a chest X-ray during a routine check-up in October 2016 brought the devastating confirmation that the cancer had returned – this time spreading around his heart and lungs.

In order to keep his memory alive, the Kieran Maxwell Legacy, which was set up by his family in 2011, is holding a charity ball and dinner at the Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham on November 1, to raise funds to support research into Ewing sarcoma and other childhood cancers.

The event will include a three course meal, entertainment and a silent raffle, which includes a signed Mo Farah GB vest, a signed Jenson Button cap, and numerous other signed sporting clothing and memorabilia.

Tickets cost £35 each, and there are also sponsorship opportunities available.

Nicola Maxwell, Kieran’s mother, said: “Kieran decided that. while there was no hope for him. he wanted to create a legacy to fund research that could one day bring a positive outcome to other families.

“As Kieran's mam I want to keep this legacy alive in honour of my brave son and because of that, we are holding the first Kieran Maxwell Legacy dinner.

“I appreciate people are likely to receive many requests for support but I hope Kieran inspires you to offer support in any way that will work towards his aim of changing the outcome for other families.”

Speaking to The Northern Echo earlier this year, Mrs Maxwell said Kieran had been selected to try out for the triathlon in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Hames.

However, just days later, he received the devastating confirmation that his cancer had returned.

Following Kieran’s death, his family described him as an “amazing young man” who “lit up the whole world”

Tributes from the world of athletics also flooded in, with Bishop Auckland gymnast Amy Tinkler – bronze medallist at last year’s Rio Olympics – Cramlington-born Paralympian Stephen Miller and double Olympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead among those paying their respects.

For more information about the event and the Kieran Maxwell Legacy, visit www.kieranmaxwellt42.wixsite.com/kierans-legacy.