Jacks Rock when times are tough
In 2010, Jack had a five hour operation for an intracranial germinoma, a rare form of malignant brain tumour and afterwards gave his parents, Pam and Mark, a big smile and thumbs up in the recovery room.
After intensive radio and chemotherapy, he was doing well, but left with adrenal insufficiency and also panhypopituitarism - characterised by complete hormone failure and takes medication three times a day and daily injections.
During long stays in hospital, he was comforted by watching wrestling - his favourite sport - on television and DVD’s, including his idol, Dwayne Johnson, better known by his wrestling name, The Rock and who proved a rock for Jack as he battled through in hospital.
After being referred to Starlight for a wish by one of his CLIC Sargent carers, Jack told Starlight: “Wrestling is my favourite sport and The Rock is my favourite wrestler. I would love to see him!”
Starlight then arranged for Jack to visit The Rock on the set of his latest film - The Fast & The Furious 6, where he spent two hours with the star and met the entire film crew. He also watched the filming of a scene with The Rock’s co-stars, Michelle Rodriguez and Gina Carano and received goodies and gifts.
Starlight spokeswoman, Henny Vere Nicoll, said watching The Rock on television gave Jack a positive focus during the long hours in hospital and getting to meet him proved a thrilling experience he would never forget.
Jack’s mother, Pam, said meeting The Rock had made her son, she said: “A very happy boy,” adding: “Jack is a very shy child but he is extremely empathetic and always tries to help out and make sure everyone is happy. He said he wants to work in a laboratory when he is older so he can find cures for ‘stuff’."