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Fundraiser for Maidstone teacher's bionic hands reached £20k

By: Guy Bell

Published: 14:37, 16 May 2018

Updated: 14:53, 16 May 2018

A fundraising page launched to help an amputee teacher return to the classroom following a battle with sepsis and meningitis has reached £20,000.

Greg Keating, an IT teacher at the Mascalls Academy, thought he had the flu when he was struck down by a rare strain of meningitis and a deadly case of sepsis.

The 30-year-old's legs and fingers had to be amputated but despite his health issues throughout his life he is eager to teach again with the aid of bionic hands.

Greg Keating has had his legs and fingers amputated following a deadly case of sepsis

Staff and pupils at the Paddock Wood school have organised a number of fundraising activities including charity football matches, bake offs and non-uniform days.

Greg has already battled leukaemia twice and was forced to learn to walk again when he was left paralysed following complications after a bone marrow transplant.

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In January he felt he was coming down with the flu but both he and his partner Jo Northage knew it was more serious when his cheeks and nose changed colour.

Greg has battled illness his whole life but wants to get back to teaching at the Mascalls Academy

Andy Keating, Greg's dad, said his history of chronic poor health has helped his son and the family pull through the trauma.

Mr Keating, who lives in Wigmore, near Gillingham, said: "Greg has always been very positive ever since from the age of 11 when he fell ill. So his determination to get back in the classroom has not surprised any of us.

"What he wants to get out there is how fantastic the NHS has been, that's doctors and nurses,, all his life . When he fell ill with sepsis and meningitis, one nurse worked tirelessly day and night.

"Andy has always wanted to be teacher since he was a lad and all he wants to do is get back to work."

To add to the £20,000 already raised visit tinyurl.com/gregteach

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