AN INSPIRATIONAL schoolboy is walking tall thanks to the overwhelming support of the Cheshire community.

Cieran Kelso, six, is busy getting used to a new pair of prosthetic legs after six months of generosity from kind-hearted residents who have been touched by his story.

The youngster, who goes to Victoria Road Primary School, lost both his legs below the knee and a number of fingers when he contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia at just 13 months old.

He had only been walking for a week.

In June last year, his dad Gary and stepmum Gemma Burnett began a fundraising drive to help lively Cieran, who attends Hartford School of Gymnastics, have the prosthetic legs that he deserves.

Gemma said: “Some people say why not wait until he stops growing before getting the new legs, but we can’t wait until he’s 18 or 19.

“What sort of a life is he going to have up to then?

“He wants to keep up with his mates.”

The prosthetic limbs provided by the NHS were bulky, cumbersome and unweildy, whereas Cieran’s new legs are lightweight but robust, have much more movement in the ankle socket and can be altered to almost grow with him for about a year.

Gemma said: “The new legs are uncomfortable for him at the moment because they’re tighter.

“We compared it to the old ones being like a pair of old welly boots that are too big and he’s been sloshing around but now he’s gone to ones that fit perfectly.

“They’re built to fit on his legs – the old ones kept falling off but these won’t fall off.”

The family, who live in Middlewich Road, were expecting the new prosthetics to cost £12,000 a pair but instead they have come in at £7,500.

But Gemma and Gary still need to fundraise as Cieran will need different, and more expensive, legs as he grows bigger.

Gary said: “We didn’t know what to expect when we started fundraising.

“We were just testing the water but the community really has been fantastic, we couldn’t have asked for any more from the people of Northwich and the surrounding areas.”

Gemma added: “The bit that makes us sad is that we can’t thank everyone in person.”

The couple’s long-term fundraising goal is to go on and help other children in Cieran’s position.

Gary said: “I admire Cieran so much for the way he is and, although he’s only six, he’s an inspiration for me and for everyone who meets him.”

THE Cieran Kelso Fund has been set up by Gary and Gemma to continue fundraising.

Events in the pipeline include: • Nunsmere Quiz Night at Nunsmere Hall Hotel on March 22. The evening starts at 6.30pm with a hot pot supper and dessert. Entry is £40 per team with a maximum of six per team. For more information ring Ann on 01606 889100 or email ann@nunsmere.co.uk.

• A midnight walk will be held at Marbury Country Park on May 12. For more information ring 07890 833313, email cktf.events@mail.com or visit cierankelso.co.uk .

• A Harry Potter Summer Ball at Nunsmere Hall Hotel on July 27. The dress code is black tie only and no fancy dress required.

Tickets are priced £50 per person with tables of 10. This includes welcome drinks a three-course meal and some fantastic entertainment. For more information ring 07890 833313, email cktf.events@mail.com or visit cierankelso.co.uk.