Boy, 12, dreams of Paralympics after amputation

Rian, from Coventry, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer

A boy who had his hand amputated after being diagnosed with cancer has set his sights on the Paralympics after returning to the swimming pool.

Rian, from Coventry, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer, in March 2023.

The 12-year-old had two amputations on his left hand and underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy during his treatment.

Rian has now returned to swimming, which is his favourite pastime, and is already aiming to achieve Paralympic gold.

The schoolboy rejoined lessons at the Alan Higgs Centre in Coventry in January and has since made impressive progress.

"I have a lot of fun swimming," he said. "That's what being in the pool is about. I just really enjoy it and find it super fun.

While having treatment, Rian started the "toast challenge" tasking his former head teacher to butter toast one-handed

"Most of the activities you do are just really fun as well. I think it's not just about the fun but I get taught really important skills.

"I think ultimately I want to maybe compete and compete in the swimming at the Paralympics."

Rian is well known in Coventry after he challenged his former head teacher at All Saints CofE Primary, to butter toast one-handed.

His mother, Fagoon, who is in contact with the UK Paralympic team, said her son was an impressive swimmer before his illness.

"We're super proud of him because he has had a lot of challenges," she said. "I'm not sure where he gets his enthusiasm and drive - his get up and go from."