KIERAN WOOD: Friends gear up for run to raise money in memory of teenager who lost cancer battle

Kieran Wood, 17, from Longhoughton, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2015.

In a tragic twist of fate, Kieran, as an 11-year-old, had declared that he wanted to find a cure for cancer. How cruel that he would be diagnosed with the disease a few years later, before losing his battle. His parents, Nikki and Stephen, have paid tribute to their only son, who they said was special, lovable and made them glow with pride every day.

Now, Andrew Kelly, Jacob Crooks and Cameron Pearce, are gearing up for the 15-mile challenge, which they will tackle in the next few weeks, to raise money for Cancer Research UK, in honour of Kieran.

Andrew, 17, from Hadston, said: “Kieran was one of the most kind-hearted fellows ever to exist.

“Much to the dismay of everyone who knew him, he passed away. He was unique, he was liked by everyone and touched all our hearts in a way that no one will.

“Ever smiling and brave, he was the perfect person you’d ever meet and we will remember him and hope to be as kind and helpful as he was.

“For Kieran, we will run 15 miles. For Kieran, we’ll raise as much money as we can. For Kieran, we’ll donate that money to Cancer Research so that good people such as him and his family don’t have to worry about cancer rearing its ugly head.”

Andrew’s online fund-raising page has already collected more than £670. He added: “We need all the support we can get, even if it’s only a fiver – we’d be extremely grateful.”

Kieran’s mum Nikki is overwhelmed by the gesture and said that research into cancer is crucial. Tomorrow’s celebration event at The Plough, to honour Kieran’s life, will be raising money for numerous cancer charities which helped support Kieran and his family. It starts at 5pm and people are being encouraged to wear red – one of Kieran’s favourite colours.