A KEEN Newport cricketer who had his left leg amputated after contracting a rare form of bone cancer is trying to raise £25,000, in a bid to return to the pitch.

Tom Carter, 20, from Bassaleg, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in July 2013 after initially complaining of a pain in his knee.

MRI scans revealed a growth on his left tibia and Mr Carter underwent two courses of chemotherapy at the Royal Gwent Hospital, before having his leg amputated at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, on October 26 last year 2013.

He is still undergoing chemotherapy treatment while waiting for his new prosthetic leg to be fitted, which is likely to be done in four weeks’ time.

But Mr Carter, a keen cricketer and long-term member of Newport Cricket Club, is trying to raise £25,000 in a bid to purchase a specially designed artificial leg.

The leg contains a microprocessor in the knee to allow extra movement and flexibility which would enable him to return as a batsman for the club. Newport Cricket Club.

“I’ve always hoped and believed that I’d play cricket again,” he said. “It’s a big part of my life and to play again would be great.

“Watching the Paralympics last year showed me it could be done and it helped me believe.

“I’ve played cricket since I was six years old and getting this leg would allow me to return to it.”

Approximately £7,500 has currently been raised towards the total, with fundraising evenings, raffles and auctions held by Newport Cricket Club, Bedwas Rugby Club and Crumlin Rugby Club, amongst others.

“It’s a really special feeling to see people doing stuff like this for you,” added Mr Carter. “I had someone that I’ve never met donate £100 to me, which is amazing.”

His mum, Anne Carter, believes seeing her son striking a cricket ball again would help him return to normality after a difficult year.

“Tom has been fantastic,” she said. “He’s been positive the whole time and not once complained.

“It’s heartbreaking to see him sitting in the house when he should be out with his friends, but he’s been incredible.

“He just wants to be as normal as possible and get back to where he was before, which is what this leg would do.

“If we surpass £25,000 then we’d donate it to the Teenage Cancer Trust. It’s not just the money, but it’s also to raise awareness.”

Mr Carter’s father, David Carter, will be running the Cardiff half-marathon later this year in a bid to raise money towards the total.

He said: “This gives me something to aim at and a goal to go for which helps keeps us all positive.

“Tom’s worked so hard and been so upbeat that it’s great for him to have this goal of raising money to help get him back playing cricket.”

If you wish to donate you can do so at fundrazr.com