Jake’s Story
Jake was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma in January 2004 at twelve years old. After 6-months of treatment Jake sadly died in August 2004. Jake’s Mum Lorraine shares his story.
Jake had been unwell for a few days before having a seizure at home. I remember the panic and fear, calling an ambulance and being blue-lighted to our nearest hospital. We were reassured by the paramedics that it was probably because of his recent illness and not to worry. My mum bumped into a doctor in the car park, who had been called in because a seriously ill child had been admitted - this turned out to be Jake.
My memories of those first few weeks are of fear and panic and dread. Jake was taken to the John Radcliffe at Oxford and again I have very vivid memories of that first visit to the children’s oncology ward and how wrong it all felt.
Surely this was all a mistake, a bad dream that I would wake up from.
Jake died during his stem cell transplant - the final stage of treatment at that time. His body was unable to cope with the treatment and he died in the John Radcliffe on 16 August 2004, roughly 6 months after being diagnosed.
Jake was an amazing character and I was so proud to be his mum.
21 years have passed since Jake died, which to some may seem like a long time ago and for sure a lot has happened in that time. However the sadness remains and I believe it always will. My life is very different to the life I had before Jake died. It is a good life filled with love, happiness and adventure. I have always found this quote helpful:
“ When loved ones die, you have to live on their behalf. See things as though with their eyes. Remember how they used to say things, and use those words oneself. Be thankful that you can do things that they cannot, and also feel the sadness of it. This is how I live without Pelagia’s mother. I have no interest in flowers, but for her I will look at a rock-rose or a lily. For her I eat aubergines, because she loved them.”
As a family we have continued to honour Jake’s memory by fundraising with an annual quiz night raising thousands and supporting Neuroblastoma UK, even taking roles as trustees and committee members. My Sister Tracy recently ran the London Marathon for Neuroblastoma UK in April 2025. We also, with family and friends, took part in the 100 miles in September Challenge, raising £850.
Jake was my first child and he changed my life, first when he was born and again when he died. I loved our life together and I will always feel lucky to have been his mum for 12 years.
A big thank you to Lorraine for sharing Jake’s Story
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