Boy in 12-hour drum marathon for cancer charities
A Cornish boy has carried out a 12-hour drum marathon to raise money for local cancer charities.
Jack, 11, started drumming at Humphry Davy School in Penzance at 07:00 GMT on Wednesday and he raised £2,879 for two cancer charities.
Jack’s mother, Dawn, is undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and he wanted to raise money for the Sunrise Centre and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity that have helped her through her treatment.
His music teacher said: “What a great example to people going through a difficult time to put some positive energy into it.”
Ms Cooper said: “It has been a long five months of chemotherapy, the good news is my last round is a week today but the treatment has really affected our family.
“I was speechless when he came up with the idea, so proud of him. To turn something that can be seen as quite negative for our family into something positive is just great.
“All of the staff at The Royal Cornwall Hospital are amazing.”
Jack said: “It’s been a tough few months but drumming is my happy place and it’s really helped me so this seemed like a good idea.”
Jack’s efforts have even attracted a good luck message from a genuine rock star.
The drummer from The Kooks Alexis Nunez said in a video message: “I think what you’re doing is fantastic and I wish you all the best, you’re such an amazing person.
“I did 12 hours during the pandemic for the NHS. You’re going to smash it dude. Well done!”
The music teacher at Humphry Davy School, Matt Street, said four of the school bands had performed alongside Jack to support him.
“It’s really inspiring because of what he’s doing to support his mum but also most of our students will know someone who’s had a cancer diagnosis so it’s inspiring that he’s stepped up like this,” he said.
“It’s really exciting, we’re playing a lot of Jack’s favourite band, Tool, and things are really ramping up.”
Jack has raised £1,490 for the Sunrise Centre, which forms part of the oncology department at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust and £1,389 for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, which aims to provide small comforts for people going through cancer treatment.
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