BOY WITH RARE ILLNESS SWIMS 360 LENGTHS TO RAISE £2,400

A BRAVE teenager with a rare, incurable condition has raised thousands of pounds by completing a charity swim at Uttoxeter Leisure Centre.

- By JOSEPH RICHARDS

Kieran Hankin - known to family and friends as 'K-Man' raised £2,400 for the 'incredible' hospice caring for him by completing the swim on Saturday, July 26.

He was diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia (FA) in 2017, shortly before his seventh birthday.

The condition is a life-changing, life-limiting degenerative neuro-muscular disease which affects his balance, coordination and muscle strength.

It also causes debilitating fatigue, which leads to him waking up each day already tired, making this challenge even harder.

The swim was in support of The Dougie Mac Hospice, which provides care to adults, young adults and children living with a life-limiting illness in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and the surrounding villages, also offering support to their families and carers.