News from around the county Inspiring teenager loses fight with kidney cancer
A young boy whose second battle with cancer inspired donations and messages of support from all over the world has died.
Jack Howard died on Monday aged just 13 after weeks of pioneering treatment in Los Angeles failed to cure his kidney cancer.
The Gravesend Grammar School pupil and his family jetted to America’s west coast in September, but returned to their Hartley home last month after it became clear the treatment had not worked.
His aunt, Keely Howard, set up an online fundraiser to help pay for Jack’s treatment and accommodation in the States, which, when added to other donations, raised well in excess of the £250,000 needed.
Speaking on behalf of Jack’s parents, Nick and Zoe, she described the public support as “overwhelming”.
She said: “We raised all that money, but unfortunately it can’t buy everything.
“It’s been overwhelming and we’re really grateful for all the help and support, and Jack was grateful.
“As parents they did every- thing that they could, but unfortunately he slipped away.
“He was with his mum and dad in bed when it happened and is now in peace with his West Ham shirt on.
“The family are so grateful. They never thought they’d get that support and they’re grateful that they had the opportu- nity to go to the States and give that treatment a go.”
Jack, a former pupil of Our Lady of Hartley Primary School, had previously undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2013.
He also had a kidney removed before going into remission in February 2014, but the cancer returned in December last year. Six months later, doctors thought he had only weeks to live.
He took a dangerous turn just a fortnight before flying to LA, with UK doctors again unsure if he had days or weeks to live.
Jack’s battle with the disease had received support from across the county and beyond, including a donation from his beloved West Ham United and a get-well message from The Rolling Stones in Las Vegas.