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Digger, Riki Flutey and Ben Willis visit Jack

Digger, Jack, Riki Flutey and Ben Willis

A special London Irish fan

Jack Wakefield is only two years old but for most of his life he's been fighting cancer. He and his family are avid London Irish supporters and in turn, the rugby club has rallied round the youngster in the most extraordinary way...

When Gordon Wakefield became a fan of Reading's London Irish club, little did he know how much support his family would receive when the rugby world heard of his little son Jack, only two, who has been battling cancer for most of his life.

Gifts and cards have arrived from all over the world. He's even been given a camel from Dubai. Here his dad Gordon Wakefield speaks to BBC Radio Berkshire's Henry Kelly.

Listen to the full interview via the audio link or read excerpts from the interview below.

LISTEN: Gordon Wakefield speaking to Henry Kelly >
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About Jack's cheerfulness: "He's got a lovely habit of waking up in the morning and saying "daddy, what are we going to do today?""

"I think he knows that he's poorly but having said that he thinks that everyone goes to hospital. He sees hospitals like most children see nurseries."

Jack's dad Gordon

The Wakefield family believe in looking on the bright side: "We're blessed, we really are, we're huge believers in turning negatives into positives, there are so many other people that could be that much worse and we've come across people on this journey that we're on that have lost their battle...the fact that I can wake up with Jack every morning is just fantastic."

About how Jack's cancer has affected their other children: "No child should know about mortality or should know about life having a length"

About if Jack realises how ill he is: "I think he knows that he's poorly but having said that he thinks that everyone goes to hospital. He sees hospitals like most children see nurseries."

About the immense support given by London Irish and their supporters: "We'd just heard that Jack's tumour had grown by a quarter and it was late one evening that I put a notice on the London Irish message board just to say thank you for everything the Irish have done for us, that Jack is still fighting his battle and almost apologising that we'd hadn't been in contact for a few months...within the first day we had half a dozen messages come back, and when I checked on it last night there were 350 messages of support...we'd had over 100 cards and letters, over 50 books, postcards and toys sent to Jack - it's just been wonderful, absolutely incredible."

About Jack's most unusual gift: "It's when you realise the world has become very surreal when the postman arrives with a camel secured in an envelope from Dubai with a message of good luck to Jack..."

Inspirational words from Mr Wakefield: "The dark days are very very dark...we're not in a position where we can hunt around the world for a cure or a magical operation but what it's made us do is look at every single day and think 'what can I get out of today'."

last updated: 16/03/06

Have Your Say

Send in your comments and messages of support to the Wakefield family here:

Jenny Wall
My thoughts are with you all..what a brave little fighter Jack was. You can all hold your heads high...you are an amazing family Think of Jack always..he will always be looking down on you

maureen mark and kim
2 years ago jack came to my home with alexandra and members of there family i had decorated my house with xmas lights and collected for piam brown ward and jack and alexandra switched the lights on the smile on these beautiful children showed it all when my house lite up my heart goes out to gorden nikki and jacks two beautiful sister may god bless them all love us all sleep tight little angel xxx

Mary Figueroa
From the very bottom of my heart I wish to extend my condolences. Your family and little Jack has touched my heart. I know that he is free of pain and suffering now and know he is happy in the arms of the angels. It is we who are left that suffer the most. God keep you and give you strenght. Love from Florida

adriana
ho appreso la storia del piccoloJACK per caso e adesso nn passa giorno in cui il mio pensiero nn sia rivolto a questo piccolo eroe nn ci sono parole per descrivere cio ke provo un abbraccio ed un bacio fortissimo a te piccolo grande jack

sheila t
I can only say what a truly wonerful family the Wakefields are. I have watched on Docraft every morning for the latest news on that wonderful little boy who has inspired such love worldwide. God Bless.

Angelfish
Jack, there are no words to say whats in my heart, except the compassion I feel for you and your family at this time.I will pray that the good Lord will shine on you always, Jack. For such a brave little boy, to go through so much in your life time, has sent me to my knees in prayer. May the Lord Bless you and keep you safe in His Loving arms. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS..... Angelfish.. (of Australia)..

Pam Brown
Every day I pray for Jack.Live for the moment.In our thoughts. Take care.

Katie Walker
My thoughts are with you.xx Please see this site for the amazing number of people praying for this special boy www.gratefulness.org God Bless

Caren Crowley
I have similarly read about Jacks bravery on the munster website. He is such a brave and bright little boy and I hope God grants you all strenght when you need it most.

Sara Johnston
You are an inspiration and I hope and pray that little Jack defies the medical world and makes a full recovery. God bless you. Love Sara xxxxxx

Deirdre McCarthy
Have just read about your sons battle on the Munster Rugby Supporters Club and want to say that both Jack and your family will be in our prayers.

Bill Currie
I'll also be at the England v Ireland game, and hopefully I will get to meet that wonderful man Gordon Wakefield. What an absolute rock!

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