Holiday for Jayden and his family

Earlier this year, Jayden, a child in my Year 6 class, was diagnosed with ALCL (Anaplastic Large T Cell Lymphoma) - a type of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This rare cancer affects less than 200 people a year in the UK (10 children) and 1000 children a year in Europe.

 

Since first receiving this devastating news, Jayden has been a true inspiration. He has been on a mission to prove that he won’t be beaten. He believes that when life deals you a hand, you simply fight on through it. Jayden knows that he has two options: fight cancer or become a victim of it.

 

While fighting to beat cancer, Jayden has had to put on hold his participation in the Somerset County Cricket Club Pathway programme, his grading for a Taekwondo black belt, training with ITF England, playing for North Curry Youth Cricket Club, Galmington Dragons Football Club, and Taunton Eagles Under 11 rugby. In addition to this, he has had to suspend grading for Grade Five acoustic guitar, not to mention his academic and Scouting involvements.

 

Despite missing out on all the things he loves, Jayden has channelled his energy into something remarkable. He has been raising money for charities that help children and their families going through this same horrible experience. Along with his family, he has managed to raise a staggering £6657, and they have identified a couple of charities that they would like to support.

 

I feel incredibly privileged to have had Jayden in my class; watching how he has approached this nightmare has been so inspiring. Whenever he has not been receiving treatment, Jayden has been focused on continuing with everyday life, including attending school, playing football with his friends and competing in cricket matches for his school and club. 

One stand out example of Jayden’s determination has been his desire to complete his Key Stage 2 SATs. So much so he rescheduled the start of a chemotherapy cycle so he could attend school to complete them. Unfortunately, due to needing to return to hospital, Jayden missed his mathematics tests. Within a day of leaving hospital, Jayden pushed to be allowed back to school to do the tests. Amazingly, he competed all three papers (1 hour and 50 minutes) in one morning! 

Jayden's drive to keep going and his love and passion for life is so uplifting; his mindset is one which we can all learn from.

 

As I am sure you can imagine, this ordeal has turned the Cruickshank's life upside down and, once Jayden's chemotherapy is complete, what they are really going to need is a holiday! Therefore, I want to be able to give them all what they quite rightly deserve. I aim to run (maybe a little bit of walking) 48 miles in 24 hours, starting on Saturday 16th July at 9am. All money raised will be given directly to the Cruickshank family to spend as they see appropriate.

 

Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

 

Let's do this for the Cruickshanks. 

 

Thank you in advance

 

Steve