Brave schoolboy’s dream comes true after losing his legs and arm to meningitis

A 10-year-old boy who was given just 24 hours to live after contracting meningitis as a baby has defied the odds to compete in the wrestling ring.

Doctors had to amputate Richard Hunter’s arms and legs when he was just 11 months old.

Since then, the brave youngster lived life “just like any other kid” and always wanted to partake in wrestling.

As Chronicle Live reports, Richard used to watch twin brother Jayden in the ring.

But now, Richard has fulfilled his dream of joining in the combat – much to the delight of his nan Maureen Armstrong.

The 55-year-old said: “Richard has got no fear whatsoever, he’s doing fantastic.

“It was fantastic to see him in the ring with all the other kids. All the kids and the trainers are out of this world.

“When he’s in the ring he’s just like any other kid. We keep telling him he can do anything he wants, and he just gets on with everything.

“We started bringing Richard to watch, but I think it was frustrating for him. Then one day we were coming home and he said; ‘Why can’t I have legs like my brother and do what he does’.”

Paul Turnside, who runs Full Tilt Wrestling near Walkerville, Newcastle, helped Richard’s dream come true.

“When I heard what Richard had said it broke my heart, and I just thought there’s no reason why he can’t take part,” Paul said.

“We are open to everyone, sexuality, race and gender makes no difference whatsoever, and we have got kids with autism coming to sessions. I have seen his confidence grow.

“It’s all about the will and the drive and the heart to do it. The ability doesn’t really make a difference to what you can and can’t do. And Richard is living proof of that.

“If Richard doesn’t set an example to other kids I don’t know what will.”

The little boy will take part in a show next week with Italian pro-wrestler Nico Narciso, who is extending his trip to the UK just to join the youngster in the ring.

But in 2010, Richard was dashed to hospital with the telltale meningitis rash.

The youngster, who was born three months premature, was unlikely to survive, doctors conceded.

He fought for four months in hospital and eventually learned to walk with prosthetic legs.

And he has been defying doctors ever since.

Maureen, of Scotswood, Newcastle, continued: “He just crawls all over the place and he bounces. He still manages to get about. Nothing stops him.

“His confidence is way up high now.”