The family and friends of Jak Trueman, who lost his battle to cancer last month, are raising funds to fulfil his dying wish of having a facility created for sick children
The family and friends of a brave West Lothian teen who caught the hearts of the nation before passing away from a rare form of cancer are to take part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in his honour.
15-year-old Jak Trueman lost his public battle against T-Cell lymphoma, a rare form of cancer, on February 2.
Team Jak will walk the 26-mile sponsored walk to raise funds to help create Jak’s dying wish of having a facility created for sick children and youngsters called Jak’s Den.
The team has been put together by Lara Haken, whose children attend Star Harmonies, the dance and musical theatre school run by Jak’s mum, Allison Barr.
Lara said: “I have been taking part in Kiltwalks since the beginning and absolutely love the events.
I miss Jak every moment of every day, but I promised I would keep his dreams for Jak’s Den alive and one way we can do that is by taking part in The Kiltwalk
“They really are for everybody and it is wonderful for the youngsters taking part to be able to see the difference they can make.
“I registered Team Jak months ago and at the time I hoped he would be walking with us.
“Sadly that was not to be but we are delighted to be able to raise funds through The Kiltwalk for his final wish – Jak’s Den.”
Jak’s mum Allison Barr added: “I miss Jak every moment of every day, but I promised I would keep his dreams for Jak’s Den alive and one way we can do that is by taking part in The Kiltwalk.
“I am delighted Lara entered a team in Jak’s name and as it looks like an extraordinary fun event and one which gives people like us a way of raising vital funds.
“I know the team are really looking forward to taking part on the day and I am sure Jak would have loved to have been there too.”
To sign up to take part in the Kiltwalk and raise funds for Jak’s Den thekiltwalk.co.uk and click on Team Jak in the drop down menu.
The more people that join the more money Team Jak will receive.
Teams of between five and 19 people receive 50% of the funds raised, while organisations nominated by teams of 20 or more will receive 75%. The surplus is split between The Kiltwalk’s charity partners after costs.
The Kiltwalk’s chairman Michael Ure said: “It is wonderful that Allison and her team are using The Kiltwalk the way it is designed to be used – to raise vital funds for organisations who can’t organise events on this scale on their own.
“Jak’s story touched people far and wide and I am sure, if he were still here, he would be incredibly proud of so many people taking on such a challenge in his name.”
