Meningitis quadruple amputee aged eight excels at mixed martial arts

Marshall shows off some moves. Credit: SWNS

An eight-year-old boy who had his hands and legs amputated after contracting meningitis has taken up mixed martial arts and is excelling at the sport.

Sporty Marshall, who a doctor described as "the sickest child I have ever seen" when he was admitted to hospital aged just one, also plays football and hopes to take up rugby too.

After going backstage at the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) and meeting champion Michael Bisping, Marshall Janson got to try out some martial arts moves in front of the 10,000 spectators in Manchester.

Marshall had such an "awesome" time that he was inspired to take up Jiu-Jitsu near his home in Perranporth, Cornwall.

Marshall with Peter Maher and family friend Colin Trevorrow. Credit: SWNS

The schoolboy described Jiu-Jitsu as "great", adding that his favourite move was the back spinner.

Peter Maher from Mahers Martial Arts Academy said it was the first time a quadruple amputee had attended, adding: "Marshall is a real inspiration. There is nothing he will not try.

"We tend to say in life there are reasons why we can't do something but you look at young Marshall and it makes you think again."

Marshall has prosthetic hands and legs, but does not use his legs when doing martial arts.

Marshall's dad Moss said: "People say to me 'oh it must be so hard for you'. It is difficult but we get so much from Marshall.

"He is happy and he is making me proud. I am a very, very proud of him."

A pair of prosthetic blades earlier this year have allowed sporty Marshall to play football. Credit: SWNS

Family friend, Colin Trevorrow, who attends the classes with Marshall, said: "He really is one of life's fighters and he is the ultimate champion in life. He has fought for everything.

"He still has loads of operations to come but you say to 'is there anything you can't do'? And he says 'no'. You say 'are you willing to give anything a go?' And he says 'yes'. It's just so commendable."

As the youngster grows he needs his prosthetic hands and legs replacing roughly once a year, at a total cost of between £850,000-£950,000.

The Handstand Appeal was set up for Marshall in 2009 with the fundraising target of £950,000 in 16 years to help cover the costs.