A North Staffordshire schoolboy is set to take on his sixth physical challenge to raise funds for charity. 

Kieran Hankin, known as K-Man to friends and family, is aiming to complete 280 lengths of the pool at Uttoxeter Leisure Centre over 10 weekend dates. 

The Cheadle Academy pupil was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) in 2017, just before his 7th birthday. The condition is a degenerative neuromuscular disease which affects his balance, co-ordination and muscle strength. 

Kieran also has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – where the muscles of his heart are abnormally thick, which makes it harder for his heart to pump blood around his body contributing to extreme fatigue. The 14-year-old also has pes cavus, which has led to a loss of mobility. 

This will be his second challenge for the Dougie Mac and Kieran has already raised over £1,300 for the charity in this current fundraising effort. He will complete the swims alongside his 1-1 swimming teacher, Jayne.

Kieran's mum Leeann said: "Due to declining changes over the past few years, Kieran is unable to walk and relies on his electric wheelchair. The worst symptom is the debilitating fatigue.

"Every day, Kieran is tired, but he just keeps battling through the exhaustion. He's not your typical 14-year-old. He's wise beyond his years, quick-witted and very sarcastic with a love for mathematics and Marvel!"

Over the years, Kieran has undergone multiple operations including bilateral tendon repositioning and lengthening surgery in January 2023, a failed spinal surgery in August of the same year, a second attempt in September, followed by another in March 2024. 

The swimming challenge is a way for Kieran and his family to say "a huge thank you" for the care he and his family have received from Dougie Mac Children's Services.

"The team at Dougie Mac Children's Services have been an incredible support to both of us - a pillar of strength, care and comfort, guiding us through some very difficult moments. 

"From their fabulous counselling service for children and parents, to overnight respite, youth club, physio support, care coordinators supporting in school or NHS meetings to visiting their paediatric consultants' clinics on site. 

"Kieran will be aiming to swim 7km (280 lengths) with his fabulous 1-1 swimming teacher Jayne, at Everyone Active in Uttoxeter Leisure Centre in half hour sessions, to help balance his fatigue levels. 

"Doing the Big Swim is our little way to give back to Dougie Mac to say a huge 'thank you'."

To help with Kieran's fundraising, take a look at his JustGiving page: K-Man Hankin is fundraising for Douglas Macmillan Hospice