'Warrior' Heysham teenager battling leukaemia takes on 200 mile cycle challenge

Sunday, 14 August 2022 19:32

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A teenager from Heysham who is battling leukaemia is taking on a 200 mile cycling challenge this month.

Jacob Walker, will cycle 200 miles for five charities he holds close to his heart after they helped him since his diagnosis in August 2020.

Jacob, 13, who goes to Morecambe Bay Academy, is currently undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Despite still undergoing regular treatment for his condition, the Morecambe Bay Academy pupil aims to ride around six-and-a-half miles every day during his challenge.

During the challenge he will ride with dad Daniel, mum Anja and Nana Janice, as well as anyone else who would like to join him.

“Our boy is so strong, a true warrior!" said Anja.

"He takes lots of medication to help with leg and bone pain, blood tests every fortnight and after the monthly chemotherapy he struggles for around a week with side effects.

“He also has to take steroids for five days after this chemo which gives him hunger cravings and makes his emotions all over the place.

“He goes through all this yet to you he looks well, goes to school, goes out with his mates, wears a big smile on his face with the thoughts, the feelings, the what ifs all hidden from view.”

Jacob is raising funds for Team Reece children's cancer charity, Bay Hospitals Charity, Cancercare, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity and the Rainbow Trust.

Adrian Leather, non-executive director of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Well done to Jacob for taking on this challenge! It’s fantastic to see him supporting Bay Hospitals Charity and all his other chosen causes at the same time as continuing his treatment.

“He is showing amazing bravery and resilience, and should be really proud of what he is doing.”

The Dog and Partridge pub in Bare will also hold a fundraising day for him on August 27 from noon to 5pm.

So far more than £2200 has been raised.

You can donate at Jacob's fundraising page here.

To arrange to join Jacob on his daily rides, email anjanwalks@gmail.com