Jacob was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma when he was 2 years old. Despite an aggressive regime of treatment, he relapsed in April 2016. Following this he received additional chemotherapy with radiotherapy and immunotherapy.  

After immunotherapy, his family had hoped that he would be able to access the Bivalent Vaccine clinical trial in New York but owing to a second relapse in July 2017, Jacob was no longer eligible for the trial. To try to get Jacob back into remission, he continued to have immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy, but sadly his disease didn't show a positive response to the treatment.  Next steps for Jacob involved participating in a phase 1 clinical trial at Great Ormond Street Hospital, which it was hoped would reduce or, at least, stabilise his disease. This meant lots of further hospital visits, and overnight stays for Jacob and his family. 

Sadly, on 9 December 2017 Jacob’s family shared this devastating message:  “Just last week Jacob was kicking a football around with his much loved cousins. Today at 11am Jacob gained his Angel wings and joins all the other little soldiers who bravely fought neuroblastoma. As his parents we will never understand the speed at which he was taken from us. RIP our gorgeous little boy. Mummy and daddy will remember you and love you forever X.” 

Following his passing, Jacob’s family have decided, at least for the time being, to keep his fundraising page open for those wishing to donate or fundraise in his memory. Funds raised in memory of Jacob will be used to support Solving Kids’ Cancer’s charitable activities including helping other children to access treatment; supporting families; funding and furthering research; and advocating on key issues affecting children.  

You can read more about Jacob’s brave story on Facebook and using the hashtag #joinjacobsfight.