Patrick Kane

Patrick Kane didn't have an easy start in life - aged just nine months he contracted meningococcal septicaemia, the virulent form of meningitis. This horrific illness resulted in a three month spell in the intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital in London, as doctors battled to save his life. While the doctors were ultimately successful in saving Patrick's life, they were unable to do so without tragic consequences: the amputation of his right leg below the knee, all of the fingers from his left hand, and part of each finger on his right hand. Now, at 14 years old, Patrick is an inspiration to me and everyone who meets him. He excels at school, and is one of the most articulate and well-balanced teenagers I have ever met. His amputations have never held him back and he talks openly about what has happened to him, without a hint of bitterness or self pity. Patrick wears a prosthetic leg and is one of the few people in the UK to wear the world's most advanced bionic hand - the i-LIMB Pulse from UK company, Touch Bionics. He was the youngest ever person to be fitted with this advanced prosthesis, and he has consistently impressed the company by his ability to quickly understand and excel at controlling and using his prosthesis... Although this is not why he should be a torch-bearer... Patrick deserves to carry the flame as a shining example of someone who has never allowed himself to be disadvantaged by the tragic circumstances of his life - an inspiration to us all