Sprint legend Usain Bolt donated a pair of his signed running shoes to a nine-year-old cancer victim – after he lost a leg to the disease.
Matthew Smith had his right leg amputated in April after falling victim to osteosarcoma and is currently learning to walk on a prosthetic limb.
Olympic superstar Bolt donated the size 13 spikes with a gold sole after learning about his plight through his cousin Vinette Jones, who works with Matt’s parents.
Mrs Jones, of Filton, Bristol, said: “I think the story really struck a chord with him.
“Usain is a very quick runner so he thought about what it would be like for him to lose a leg.
“I had asked if he would mind sending a T-shirt but he said he would send some signed running spikes because he thought they would raise more money for Matthew.”
The shoes were presented to the delighted family by Bolt’s mum, Jennifer.
Matt’s parents Colin and Liz, of Brislington, Bristol, now plan to sell the shoes on eBay to raise money for their son’s on-going treatment.
They want to buy a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg that will help him play football again.
Dad Colin said: “Having Usain Bolt’s mum come and present Matthew with a signed pair of his spikes was brilliant.
“Matthew really appreciated it and couldn’t believe that one of the biggest superstars in the world had done that for him. It meant a lot to all of us.”
The are currently for sale on eBay with a starting bid of £1,000 but no offers have been made yet.
