Ellie will be devastated by arrest of hero Oscar Pistorius (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Clacton: Ellie will be devastated by arrest of hero Oscar Pistorius

12:00pm Saturday 23rd February 2013 in News

PARENTS of a girl who lost her limbs to meningitis say their daughter will be devastated to hear of the arrest of her hero Oscar Pistorius.

Little Ellie May Challis, 8, of Weeley Road in Little Clacton, lost both her hands and legs to the disease when she was a toddler.

The youngster had carbon-fibre blades fitted to her legs when she was younger, and three years ago got to meet Paralympic sprinter Pistorius who competes using similar blades.

But six-time Paralympic gold medallist Pistorius has now been charged with murder after his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead in his Pretoria home.

Ellie May’s dad Paul said: “She would be absolutely devastated to find out about all of this.

“He has been her hero for years. She was only little when she met him but she remembers it all really clearly. He made a real impression on her.

“When we met him he came across as a really lovely guy and he was absolutely brilliant with Ellie.

“He sat on the floor and talked to her for ages. They even had a few races.

“He brought out a spark in her when they met. She loved seeing his blades."

Pistorius was arrested last week and is currently appearing in court in South Africa.