HOLLYWOOD legend Sir Ben Kingsley has spoken of the honour of meeting an “extraordinary” nine-year-old who dreams of becoming a Paralympic athlete.

Daisy Pashley, who lives in Over Norton, near Chipping Norton, lost part of all four limbs after contracting meningitis when she was seven.

Her family is raising money to buy her prosthetic running legs – known as blades – after she was inspired by the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Sir Ben introduced a special screening of his latest film, Iron Man 3, to raise money for the appeal at Cineworld in Witney on Tuesday.

The Oscar winner, who lives in North Oxfordshire, said: “It is great to be doing this for Daisy, and doing something for the well-being of the community.

“It was a great privilege to meet Daisy, who is an extraordinary girl. She is a little shy, but she is a dear girl with devoted parents.”

Sir Ben, who famously played Gandhi in the 1982 film, said he would keep an eye on Daisy’s future, adding: “We will find a way of following her stories.”

The actor suggested the fundraising event after donating items to a Chipping Norton Lions Club auction and learning about Daisy’s situation.

Disney, which organised the screening, has donated £1,000 to the appeal and the event aimed to at least match the figure.

Daisy’s mum Lorna, 34, said: “Daisy felt really special – it was great for her.

“I cannot believe so many people have helped. Everyone has been so generous since it all happened. Lots of people we don’t even know have got involved.”

She added: “This would not have happened without Sir Ben Kingsley. It was really good of him to do it.

“He must be very kind and generous to sort something like this out.”

The family has raised the £10,000 needed to buy the blades, but they will require around £4,000 at least every year to upgrade them as Daisy grows.

It is hoped she will be fitted for the blades at the end of the month.

 

Mrs Pashley said: “It will make Daisy very happy to have the blades, and we just want to make her happy after all she has been through.

“We want to give her the opportunity to try different things if she wants to, like every other child. If she wants to try something we want to help her.

“It is her dream to be a Paralympian, and if she really wants to do it she will. She is very determined.”

Daisy, who attends St Mary’s School in Chipping Norton, said: “I had a really great night.”

Daisy’s family, including her mum, dad Lee, 41, and brother James, 12, along with her friends attended the special 3D screening on Tuesday.

The Cowley-based family of five-year-old Charlotte Nott, another girl who lost her limbs to meningitis, is also raising money for blades.