Inspirational Jak Trueman from West Lothian has raised over £50,000 on JustGiving
A teenage cancer sufferer who raised thousands of pounds for cancer and leukaemia research has died.
15-year-old West Calder High School pupil Jak Trueman was diagnosed with gamma delta T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of the disease, in August 2014.
He and his family captured the hearts of many over the last few months by posting regular updates on his battle with cancer through a Facebook page Jak’s Journey, which has over 37,000 likes.
Jak’s mum announced his death on the page on Monday afternoon.
She wrote: “Devastated and heartbroken to say my beautiful boy's gone to Heaven, God bless.
“Jak I am the proudest Mummy ever xxxxx Simply the best xxx.”
Previous posts included Jak himself bravely telling the page’s readers that doctors had decided not to pursue further treatment options on January 23.
The followng day Jak directed well-wishers to a JustGiving page set up to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
At the time he wrote: "So many of you want to help and you'll know by now our family don't do things by half so I've set a target of £15000 to go to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. If it stops even one type of rare cancer in the future it will be worth it."
Tha page has now raised over £50,000.
After stopping his treatment Jak and his family posted photos on Facebook of themselves enjoying life to the fullest, all the while urging people to donate to charity.
Among many things, Jak fulfilled a lifetime ambition of getting a quad bike, enjoyed a supercar experience, a family photo shoot and going to his school prom – which was thrown early by his classmates.
At the prom his family collected a bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award and the Kerry McGregor Memorial Trophy, for overcoming adversity, on his behalf.
A DofE spokesperson said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jak Trueman.
"Jak completed his Bronze Award activities shortly before taking ill. It was an important accomplishment in his life and we were heartened to see him presented with his award certificate before his death.
"Jak’s inspiring fundraising for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research serves as a reminder to all young people that they can make a difference in their community, no matter their personal circumstances. His enthusiasm will be deeply missed by family, friends and his DofE group.”
A charity football match arranged in Jak's honour featuring former Rangers players Nacho Novo and Charlie Miller, Celtic legend Frank McAvennie and Hearts goalleeper Neil Alexander will be held this Sunday at Livingston FC's Stadium.
Cathy Gilman, chief executive of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, said: “We were extremely saddened to learn of Jak’s death and our immediate thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones.
“Jak’s determination to help others at such a difficult time has been nothing short of incredible. His positivity has inspired so many people and the money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of everyone affected by blood cancer.”
To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/AM-Barr.
