SLIDESHOW: Emmerdale stars turn out to support Belton’s Jack

A major fundraising drive to help beat blood cancer has been launched by a Belton teenager, who himself has battled with illness since birth.
Jack with Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden making the 'Give Jack one 'L' of a smile' symbol.Jack with Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden making the 'Give Jack one 'L' of a smile' symbol.
Jack with Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden making the 'Give Jack one 'L' of a smile' symbol.

Jack Marshall, 16, of Green Lane, suffers from Moebius Syndrome, which means he is unable to walk unassisted, has difficulty with hearing and is unable to smile.

But over the years he has raised thousands of pounds for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research by undertaking mammoth challenges including climbing Yorkshire’s Three Peaks and taking part in junior runs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And on Saturday, at a special charity ball he hosted, which was attended by stars from the hit TV show Emmerdale, he launched his new campaign - Give Jack one ‘L’ of a smile.

Jack with Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden making the 'Give Jack one 'L' of a smile' symbol.Jack with Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden making the 'Give Jack one 'L' of a smile' symbol.
Jack with Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden making the 'Give Jack one 'L' of a smile' symbol.

He said: “I was introduced to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research by my best friend Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard on Emmerdale. I then researched this devastating, life threatening and all too often life limiting illness on the Internet and I knew deep in my heart that this was the cause I just had to raise money for.

“The money I have raised is helping to fund recent research breakthroughs and I am convinced one day we will beat this disease.”

The aim of the fundraiser is to get to get the world smiling.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

People are being asked to upload their photo to any social media with the‪#smiles4jack‬ and nominate friends to give Jack one ‘L’ of a smile and make a donation at the same time.

There is a choice of ways to donate – text SFJM70 to 70070 plus the amount (minimum £1) or donate online www.leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk/smiles4jack.

* The final fundraising figure is not yet known from Saturday’s event but is estimated to be around the £5,000 mark.