An event honouring the memory of a courageous young athlete is being staged for the sixth consecutive year.

The latest Kieran Maxwell Track and Field Open takes place at Middlesbrough Sports Village on Sunday, April 14, with entries closing Friday, April 5.

The open event is staged by Darlington Harriers in memory of former member, Kieran Maxwell, who died, aged 18, from a rare form of cancer seven years ago.

Kieran, a talented sprinter and gymnast, from Heighington, lost his left leg after being diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in October 2010.

However, the former Hummersknott Academy pupil continued to inspire others with his bravery and love of sport.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

He took part in the Great North Run while undergoing chemotherapy and, after being told his condition was terminal, he set up the Kieran Maxwell Legacy charity in the hope of funding research into the disease.

His mum, Nicola, has raised more than £50,000 for research into the disease and the event on April 14 will again be in aid of Kieran’s charity, with pins and wristbands being sold.

Nicola said: “This event means so much to our family, and it shows how much Kieran was thought of at Darlington Harriers that they continue to stage this event seven years after we lost him.”

Medals will be presented to all competitors, and Nicola thanked the event sponsors – T.B. Tarn, Bevan VAT, CKJ Interiors, New Levels and Coaching – for making it possible.