Thank you for visiting my fundraising page for Jack's Star Tribute Fund supporting the Children's Cancer Unit at the Bristol Children's Hospital. I set the fund up through the Wallace & Gromit Grand Appeal in memory of my son, Jack, who died from a rare form of leukaemia on 23 July 2008, he was only 9. Since then I have been raising funds to help make life a little better for all those children I have met over the past years and sadly, for those who will be newly diagnosed in the future.

Many different fundraising events have taken place since July 2008 and 2016 is looking to be another busy year with a Band Night, Quiz Night and Fancy Dress party already booked.  I also kicked off my 50:50:50 challenge - 50 people, raising £50, by the time I hit 50 in October.  I am thrilled to say over 50 challengers have signed up and there is a whole host of fundraisers taking place including running, walking, cycling & swimming events, weight & hair loss, skydive, abseil/climbing and selling cakes/homemade goodies.

At the end of 2014 Jack's fund reached a target of £100k, funding the new modern playroom & integrated conservatory on the Children's Cancer Unit - a special place where children can spend time away from their hospital beds and a very fitting legacy to my son.  In 2015 we donated £10k towards the refurb of the Unit's kitchen, providing a better level of catering to children undergoing chemo & radiotherapy.

Jack's Fund has also provided Wii Fits to encourage children to get out of bed, helping towards their physical recovery following a bone marrow transplant; donations of DVDs and computer games;  emergency palliative care bags enabling families to provide end of life care a home. 

Our most successful initiative has been 'Captain Jack's Treasure Chest', 3 'piratey' toy boxes from which childen can choose a special treat when facing scare and unpleasant medical procedures. I want to ensure that Jack's Fund continues to provide toys for the Treasure Chests which is a very good reason to just keep on fundraising!

Jack's story:

Jack was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia In November 2003, just aged 4. He underwent chemo and a bone marrow transplant in Feb 04, for which his brother, Joe, then aged 8, was the donor.

Following his tranplant, Jack remained in remission for over 2 years but in August 2006 he relapsed. He received further chemo from which he developed a life threatening fungal infection on his lungs. Miraculously Jack recovered from this and went on to find out that he was remission, however the lung infection had left him too weak to undergo a 2nd bone marrow transplant.

For just over a year Jack remained well but following a routine bone marrow test it was confirmed that Jack had relapsed a 2nd time. He had to undergo more chemo and radiotherapy and an unrelated donor was found for his 2nd bone marrow transplant. In May 2008 Jack was admitted for his transplant and spent 2 months in hospital. Jack developed pneumonia and had no immunity to fight anymore, he passed away on 23 July 2008 with myself and his dad beside him, holding his brother's hand.

Through all of this Jack remained a strong character, he had a wicked sense of humour and endless sense of fun. Our home feels so empty without him and I felt that I needed to do something positive out of something which has brought me and my family so much pain and sadness.  I cannot thank Jack's Drs, Nurses and other hospital staff enough for the care that he received during all the time we spent at the hospital

Cancer is a terrible disease and it doesn't care who it takes as its victims. 

I cannot tell you how much it means to me when I see how much people have been, and still are, supporting Jack's fund and I would like to say a huge thank you to them all. He was truly a remarkable boy and we miss him every single second of every single day.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Royal Hospital For Children Bristol Appeal Limited gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you for your support.