A YOUNG Newport cricketer who lost a leg to cancer is set to get back in the game after a charity event at the weekend helped him reach his target of £25,000.

The Argus previously reported how Tom Carter, 20, had his left leg amputated last year following the discovery of bone cancer after initially complaining of a pain in his knee.

Mr Carter, from Bassaleg, has undergone chemotherapy and is getting regular physiotherapy to help him walk using a prosthetic limb.

But the young sportsman needs a specially designed dynamic prosthetic limb to get back playing for his team, Newport Cricket Club.

The high-tech limb, which costs £25,000, will include a microprocessor in the knee to allow the extra flexibility needed for batting.

Various fundraising events had so far raised around £18,000 towards the overall target.

The latest fundraiser, a lunch and auction event, organised by Auction House (South East Wales) with the support of Acorn Recruitment, local property developer James Bewley, Mike Powell of Thomas Carroll, and Glamorgan Cricket Club, was held at the Swalec Stadium over the weekend.

The event was expected to raise in excess of £10,000, and Mr Carter says he is ‘confident’ they have reached the target.

Mr Carter, who finished his chemotherapy around five weeks ago, said: “It went really well. We are not entirely sure how much we raised yet – it’s still being counted- but we are pretty confident we should have reached it.”

Prizes up for grabs included Wales v England Six Nations rugby tickets, tickets to watch England play India at Lord’s and tickets for a charity golf day led by Sir Ian Botham.

England Test hero and prolific fundraiser Sir Ian is supporting the four-ball golf day in August on the Celtic Manor’s 2010 Ryder Cup course. The Celtic Manor also donated accommodation and dinner for the successful bidders.

Mr Carter added: “Ian Botham is like a hero, he’s a legend. I’ve always wanted to meet him and I can’t believe he is helping out.”

Mick Haywood, of Auction House, said: “We are delighted that Sir Ian has agreed to support the fundraising efforts for Tom.

“His performances for England are legendary, as are his efforts to raise funds for charity, and he is very keen to back our effort to get Tom playing cricket again.”

Mr Carte said: “It feels pretty surreal to think we may have reached our target. It’s such a large amount of money, and to think of all the help and support so many generous people have showed - it’s amazing.”