Hamilton teenager Kieran fulfils his life-long dream

May 7 2008

A HAMILTON teenager this week thanked a family friend for helping him fulfil an ambition.

Kieran Allan (13), from Burnbank, has suffered from cerebal palsy since birth and has never been able to walk without splints or sticks.

But last month he was given the opportunity to drive an articulated lorry around a 700-yard track next to Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld.

He realised his dream with the help of Alan Smith (45), an HGV driver from Blantyre, and Robert Gartshore, owner of the three-acre site at Cumbernauld.

Alan’s son, also Alan, is soon to be married to Keiran’s godmother Marie Adele, from Hamilton.

Alan senior has also arranged for Kieran to ride a jet ski at Loch Lomond in the summer.

Alan said: “I have only met Kieran a few times over the last three months, but I fell for his story. When he told my son that he wanted to drive an articulated lorry, I did everything I could to help him achieve his dream.

“Kieran’s disability does not hold him back and why should it? If he has ambitions then he should be able to realise them.”

Keiran’s dad Davy (53) said: “I want to thank Alan for all his generosity, we have only met him a few times and it is great that he is so willing to give up his time to help Kieran do these things.

"These are experiences that I never thought Keiran would be able to have because of his disability. It has been a great boost to his confidence and if I am honest, I am a wee bit jealous that he got to drive the vehicle.”

Keiran added: “I didn’t realise it would be as good as it was. It was great being able to toot the loud horn, but quite frightening how loud it actually was.”

Kieran’s mum Anne died of breast cancer three years ago, aged 50.

Both Kieran and Davy say they still miss her dearly and that things would be easier if she was still alive. Davy and Anne had been together for 15 years.

He said: “It’s very difficult without her, but I hope that some day in the future I will be able to return to my work as a coach driver. Our friends, family and neighbours have been a tremendous source of support for us during this time.”

Kieran will find out in June whether surgeons can operate on his legs and allow him to walk unaided for the first time. He is hoping to get the green light so that he will be able to play football with his friends. Kieran is living his life to the full and one day wants to become a poet, a football manager, an author or a translator.