Brave Kieran Crawford (21), back home in Tibshelf after 12 weeks in hospital, said this week: "I have got to get on with life and hope for the best. I have got to keep my chin up."

Fitness fan Kieran has been diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord, but doctors have been unable to pinpoint the cause.

Statistics show that many sufferers from the disease have regained the use of their legs – even after several months. "We are just hoping he will make a full recovery," said his mum.

Kieran, an electrical engineer with Tibshelf firm SAPA, was taken ill at his home in West View where he lives with parents Kathryn and Gerard.
After feeling pins and needles at the back of his legs, he took a hot bath and then realised he was unable to move his big toe.

Buckled

When he got out of the bath, he buckled at the knees and was unable to stand. Within half-an-hour he was paralysed from the waist down.

Family and friends have praised the courage and cheerfulness of the young footballer, who plays for both Tibshelf and Blackwell teams.
But Kieran admitted this week: "It was quite scary at the time. But now I realise that if I allow myself to get down, then I am taking a step backwards."

Transverse myelitis is a rare disease and specialists are often unable to discover what triggers it. About a third of suffers do make a complete recovery, and Kieran's family have heard of one woman who had the illness for five years before recovering.

Mum Kathryn said: "It has been a big shock to us all. And the cause is a complete mystery. Kieran is such a strong lad. He is very active and fit, playing football, going to the gym and running."

Improvement

Since returning from hospital, Kieran has noticed a slight improvement and is able to wiggle the toes on his right foot.

Meanwhile the family have expressed their gratitude to friends and sporting colleagues, who have launched a fund-raising campaign to help pay for a special wheelchair and modifications at Kieran's home.

Nearly £5,000 has been raised by regulars at the Wheatsheaf at Tibshelf and a fund-raising evening at Rachell's at Blackwell made over £1,900.

Phil Handley, secretary of Pinxton FC, who organised the fund-raiser with Blackwell FC secretary Steve Harris, said: "Kieran is a lovely lad – the nicest youth you'll ever meet.

"He's being very brave and taking it all in a very positive way."
Kieran, one of a family of four, lived at Holmewood before moving to Tibshelf 14 years ago.
He attended Christ the King School at Alfreton and St Mary's RC High School at Chesterfield and trained as a teenager with Chesterfield FC's Centre of Excellence for talented young soccer players.
david.hopkinson@derbyshiretimes.co.uk