The brave boy who fell over while carrying the 2012 Olympic torch, but got up and carried on with a massive smile on his face, has died from cancer.
Kieran Maxwell had his leg amputated in 2011, after being diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer aged just 12.
He was invited to carry the Olympic Flame the following year in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, aged 13. While carrying the flame, little Kieran stumbled and dropped it, but bravely carried on after security guards helped him to his feet.
His mum Nicola shared the sad news that Kieran had passed away on Friday, aged 18.
Sharing a photo of him carrying the torch, she wrote: "As you know this page has been very quiet the past couple of weeks. This was due to Kieran not being very well.
"Things changed for him a couple of days ago and we had to get a morphine pump fitted. This got Kieran very comfortable and we were planning to take him to the cinema to see the new Transformers film tomorrow.
"Unfortunately today Kieran at 5.26am gained his wings. He passed peaceful in his sleep. We are going to be continuing Kieran's wish of providing research into Ewing's Sarcoma through his charity http://www.cclg.org.uk/KieranMaxwellLegacy
"I want to thank you all for the support you gave my boy while he was alive."
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Kieran's leg was amputated below the knee in 2011, and he and his family were told he was cancer free seven months later.
Heartbreakingly, in May 2013, Kieran was told the cancer had returned and last October he was given the devastating news that it was terminal.
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Despite only being given weeks to live, Kieran fought on and had eight months with his family to make memories.
He and his family also founded the Kieran Maxwell Legacy charity, which aims to fund research into rare bone cancer. You can donate here.
Featured Image Credit: PA
