Crossing for a Cure: Cystic Fibrosis

The website team is always delighted to hear from students present and past. Therefore, to receive correspondence from former student, Jack Cox, about his plan to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis is exciting. Jack writes:

“Hello,

My name is Jack Cox. From 2010-2017 I attended Great Marlow School. I remember when I was a student at the school we were brilliant at raising money for charity. This is why … I am contacting you.

This summer I shall be taking part in a once in a lifetime self-funded event called Crossing for a Cure. [The charity] Cystic Fibrosis is what I am “Crossing to Cure”. On June 15th I shall be paddle-boarding from the Bahamas to the mainland of Florida. This is an 80-mile journey. I will be paddling none stop for roughly 20 hours. I, personally, suffer from Cystic Fibrosis. I would love to raise as much money and awareness as possible, but more importantly, I would love to inspire anyone else with Cystic Fibrosis to do something they never thought possible.”

As far as GMS is concerned this is a hugely impressive challenge being undertaken by one of our own ex-students.

Jack was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) when he was just 18 months old. Cystic fibrosis causes persistent lung infections and limits breathing ability over time. CF has led Jack to have a weakened immune system, meaning that the common cold can hospitalise him for weeks. Living with CF each day is a challenge physically and mentally. For Jack, every day begins with an hour and a half round of inhaled medication alongside physiotherapy. He takes a minimum of 80 tablets each day, to enable him to digest food to and absorb the vital vitamins and minerals required by the body. At the end of the day there is another round of  inhaled medication, which again takes an hour and a half, alongside more physiotherapy. This daily routine is in place to prevent further lung damage and hopefully increase life expectancy.Despite all the challenges of CF, Jack has lived his life to the fullest. If anything, his CF, he says, has motivated him to stay as fit and healthy as possible. For the last ten years, he trained everyday as a swimmer and ended up competing at the British Nationals. He has never wanted CF to dictate his life, and this summer he is taking on the enormous challenge called ‘Crossing For A Cure’.

Details of the challenge Crossing For A Cure and to donate money go to

https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/jacks-crossing-for-a-cure/jackcox3

This is a long-distance endurance paddle-challenge, where international participants paddle 80 miles across the Gulf Stream from Bimini in the Bahamas back to the Florida mainland in Lake Worth. The event was inspired by the incredible health benefits of the ocean for those living with cystic fibrosis.

On June the 9th Jack will be flying, self-funded, from London to Florida to paddle-board the whole 80 miles from the Bahamas to Florida; in one day! Jack is delighted he feels well enough to take on this challenge, something he never would be possible with CF. He hopes that by undertaking this challenge he will inspire others with cystic fibrosis to ‘reach high’

For those wishing to follow Jack’s progress go to: instagram jack_cox99.

All donations shall go towards a charity that Jack believes is making a real difference to people with CF, called Piper’s Angels. For example, they pay for prescriptions; provide access to the best care; and fund holidays for financially challenged CF patients. Piper’s Angels change lives. Please be aware this is an American  charity, however, all  the  money raised will  go  towards  people  with  CF  in  the  UK Jack is inspired by the spirit of Piper’s Angels mission to “#Inspire Every Breath”

Jack is appealing to the whole of the GMS community to donate to his chosen charity and help him fulfil his wish to make a difference to CF sufferers.  All donations  from  the  UK   will  be  converted from dollars  to  pounds  by  your  bank.