Jack fights cancer by fundraising for charity
Jack Cook with family friend Ellis Holt (left) and friend Lewis Whatling raising money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research at the Big Fun Run. PHOTO: Supplied by Town 102. - Credit: Town 102
Like many 18-year-olds Jack Cook, from Stradbroke, near Diss is a keen sports fan. But unlike many youngsters his age, Jack has spent a large portion of the past four years fighting cancer.
After feeling ill on the first day of a holiday in Florida in July 2010, Jack was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after a blood test and was flown by air ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
After three years of treatment and long periods off from school, but still managing to sit his GCSEs, the teenager, who aspires to be a groundsman, was given the all clear in 2013.
But in June the leukaemia returned and Jack will have bone marrow treatment this month which will result in a long period of recovery time.
Jack's mum Wendy Cook said: 'Life was just getting back to normal. He was at college, taking driving lessons and playing sports.
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'He'll be in isolation for about a month in hospital. It's very hard. But he is looking forward to some serious sports watching.'
The horticulture student at Otley College was due to run the Big Fun Run in Ipswich last month with his friend Lewis Whatling to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
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But after his leukaemia returned and following intense treatment Jack walked one mile of the run and was pushed in a wheel chair around the course by family friend Ellis Holt.
So far Jack has raised more than £700 and Ms Cook is delighted with the support her son has received. She said: 'The money raised means a lot to him and a lot to me. As well as raising money he wants to raise awareness.'
Jack is hoping he will be able to return to college by Easter 2015.
To sponsor Jack, https://www.justgiving.com/jackcook99
Are you raising money for charity? Email rebecca.murphy@archant.co.uk
