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A 22-year-old's cancer battle inspires Sandwich Leisure Centre's fun day fundraiser

A 22-year-old man’s story of testicular cancer has inspired Sandwich Leisure Centre to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research UK, today (Saturday).

The centre in Deal Road, will host a family fun day complete with a bouncy castle, plus outside boot camp fitness sessions and a three hour aerobathon from 9.30am.

There will also be kids multi-sports activities, arts and crafts, free gym trials and wellness checks, football, a cake sale and a raffle.

Fitness instructors Brad Holland and Chris Franks
Fitness instructors Brad Holland and Chris Franks

The event is open to members and non-members and most activities will ask for a donation to the charity.

Jack Skirrow, 22, who works for the prison service at the immigration centre in Dover, only found out he had cancer in May.

At such a young age, his family and friends were devastated and shocked. But with his course of chemotherapy now finished, there is light at the end of the tunnel for Jack, who would like to raise awareness of the disease.

He said: “My chemo finished last Wednesday so it’s just a CT scan and an appointment with my specialist to hopefully get the all clear.

“I’m feeling optimistic and full of energy at the moment, I just want to get back to work and back to reality.”

He added: “I’d like to spread awareness, even if it just helps one person.”

Jack’s grandmother and member of Sandwich Leisure Centre, Pam Friend, helped persuade the instructors to raise money for this worthy cause. She will be taking part in the aeroabthlon, having already raised £400.

She said: “When I said I wanted to raise money, is there anything you can do to help, they said yes.”

She added: “The event is really to raise awareness. I can’t admire Jack and his mum enough. They approached it so well and they’ve done so well. The best thing to do is have a positive attitude.”

The aerobathlon with run from 9.30am until 12.30am with half an hour slots. It cost £5 to take part and people can also collect sponsors.

To book you spot in an activity or for more information contact the centre on 01304 614947.

For Jack's full story, pick up The East Kent Mercury - out now.

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