Jack Cox’s Paddleboard Challenge

It’s great when there is amazing news to share. This great news story is about Jack Cox, who left GMS two years ago, and undertook to compete in the mammoth challenge of crossing the 80m distance from the Bahamas to Florida on a paddleboard.

The website promoted the event, Crossing For A Cure, and now we have heard that he did it! He succeeded, using every ounce of grit and determination he had to achieve this goal. By accepting this endurance challenge he has earned an incredible sum of over $10,000. He thanks all of the GMS community who sponsored him for their sponsorship. (Of course, if anyone wishes to sponsor him now he has completed the challenge, please go to www.crowdrise.com and search for Jack Cox.) or use this link. –  Jacks Crossing For a Cure

His success has proved Cystic Fibrosis does not inhibit anyone from achieving their dream.

Jack opened up about his illness and his wish to live full sports’ life while at Essex University, by doing so he has become an inspiration to family and friends.

The crossing was not without danger: a shark, that decided to circle his board; 30 degrees centigrade heat; and very choppy seas. Success in the face of such danger has increased his standing and admiration for this student.

Jack was diagnosed when he was 18-months-old, and the money raised from this challenge goes to funding further research into the condition. Some of the funds will be used to provide financial support for fellow sufferers and their families.

Jack became an accomplished swimmer after a childhood doctor encouraged him to take up the sport. As a teenager, he was the first person with Cystic Fibrosis to compete in the British National Championships, competing in the 100 and 200 metres freestyle.

Once Jack accepted the ‘Paddleboard Challenge’ he said, “Right, now I need to learn how to paddleboard.”

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects more than 10,000 people in the UK. The condition affects the lungs and digestive system and requires daily medication; Jack’s medication takes him around three hours a day to deal with. “I wake up every morning and I have to do two rounds of inhaled antibiotics to loosen the mucus in my lungs and reduce inflammation. Each round of antibiotics takes about 15 minutes. This is followed up with 15 minutes of physiotherapy.  A further round of inhaled antibiotics makes sure the bacteria is killed. In all I take about 80 tablets a day to help my body absorb fat. More antibiotics are taken in the evening.”

Despite this strict medical regime and working towards a degree,  Jack has been training and fundraising on campus, supported by his team-mates. He is an inspiration, that’s for sure and GMS are very proud of his achievements: well done.