21 September 1999-2 February 2015
Jak was a normal happy healthy teenager who enjoyed playing in goal with his local and county school football teams, and playing tuba in his school band — until August 2014, when he suddenly and seriously took ill aged 15.
Devastatingly, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer: Gamma Delta T-Cell Lymphoma. Five months later, Jak gained his wings.
Throughout his illness, Jak demonstrated remarkable strength and positivity and showed extraordinary courage and selflessness. He raised nearly £100,000 for various cancer charities, including CLIC, Sick Kids Friends Foundation, Bloodwise, and Comic Relief.
His desire to create a positive legacy grew, and six days before he died Jak unveiled plans to support other young people walking the same journey.
He called his charity Team Jak and charged his Mum, Allison, with the job of building it and creating Jak’s Den. This would be a purpose-built facility where young cancer patients and those with related illnesses, and their families and friends, could go to escape from the traumas of treatment and have fun in a clean and safe environment.
When Jak woke from a medically-induced coma in September 2014, he set up a Facebook page — Jak’s Journey, which continues today — and began posting about his experiences.
Jak’s life was filled with love. He had so much of it to give and was so loved in return. His happiest moments were spent in the company of his family and friends: his big sister Aimie, Granma, Grandad, Grandma Maisie, GG, uncles, aunts and cousins along with his girlfriend Hannah.
Jak also enjoyed spending time with his three half-siblings to his dad — Chloe, Logan and Layton, and had a particular bond with half-brother Logan.
His relationship with Aimie was probably typical of the way most brothers and sisters grow up together, in that Jak would often fulfil his role of annoying little brother to perfection.
However, when the going got tough, the two of them would always stick by each other and join forces to play tricks, crack jokes, and get up to general mischief. Towards the end of Jak’s life it was really clear that the two of them had always had a very close bond for which Aimie will forever be grateful.
Family holidays and trips were a big part of Jak’s life. He was an active lad who loved having lots to do and people around him to do them with. Swimming, go-karting, quad-biking, bowling, and football were just some of the things he enjoyed taking part in.
Jak was always happy to give anything a go but never wanted to be the centre of attention, instead being happy to leave that up to others. He also relished the opportunity to spend time with his relatives — especially birthday meals at Granma and Grandad’s with the banter around the table being the highlight of the visit. His crazy uncles would tease Jak and Aimie with pet names: when they were wee it was ‘cheeky monkey’, then ‘Pongo One’ and ‘Pongo Two’, the names becoming more unmentionable as the years went by.
Friendship was really important to Jak and he made time for all of the people in his life whom he cared for, whether it was at the footy, in the band, or at church. His best friends Ben and Adam were very special to him, as were other close friends including David, Scott, Cammie, Rory, Murray and Tim.
As a wee boy, Jak would have friends round to play or he would go to theirs. More often than not, he could be found in the garden bouncing on the trampoline or scoring a few goals into his football net. In fact, football became really important and he had an obsession with buying football boots, goalie gloves and footballs — the brighter the better!
Jak had started mini-soccer at the age of three and when he turned six, he joined the club which would be his for the next nine years — Mid Calder Colts.
But his sporting talent wasn’t restricted to football. When he began swimming lessons, Jak learned pretty quickly and went on to shine by representing his primary school. He also excelled in other sports, including handball and cross-country running. He went on to represent his secondary school in athletics, and continued his passion for football by playing both for his high school and at county level.
As a youngster, Jak attended Anchor Boys, Beavers, then Cubs, but his favourite activities without a doubt were football and playing the tuba in his school band. His favourite time of the year was when he went to band camp.
Thankfully for all of us Jak was fit and healthy almost until the point of his hospital admission.
He was an amazing son, brother, grandson, and friend, and his true character really shone through at the worst time of his life. His legacy is phenomenal and he has made such a difference to so many.
Jak, continue to shine bright — you are ‘Simply The Best’!
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