Money raised in memory of Welsh teen given to hospital
More than £26,000 has been presented to a children's hospital in memory of a teenager.
Jake Hughes, 16, from Glyn Ceiriog spent eight months at Manchester Children's Hospital suffering with immune system problems and under going a bone marrow operation.
He suffered from multi organ failure and died on August 1, 2015.
When in hospital, Jake planned to raise money to brighten up the ward he was on, and two years later thanks to fundraising efforts by friends, family and the local community, £26,280 has been raised to fund the work.
They money was handed over to the hospital at a tea and cake event at the Canolfan Centre on Friday, which was attended by family, friends and others who had contributed to the fundraising.
Fundraising manager Angela Rowe attended the event, and read out a tribute from Professor Rob Wyn, who the family met during Jake's time in hospital.
The professor said: "I am so sorry that we were not able to make Jake better.
"He was a fine young man, and strong and determined.
"We have opened new beds and we have opened a new translational research programme, including our gene therapy work which we hope will make transplant more accessible and safer in the future.
"We are so grateful for this work of Jake’s family and friends and will always remember Jake, a courageous, humorous, lovely young man."
Miss Rowe also said the money would be spent on the ward refurbishment later this year, and also on the radiology, theatres and physiotherapy department.
The former Dinas Bran Pupil and member of Llangollen Young Farmers wanted to raise money to refurbish the ward he was on, to make the experience better for other children and families.
Jake, who also worked part time as a butcher and on the family farm with father Jim and brother Michael, had organised a promise auction in September 2015, but died before the event.
The promise auction went ahead, and raised £13,000, thanks to a host of local companies donating prizes.
The auction was the first of many fundraisers in memory of Jake, which included a bike race in the Isle of Man by Charlottee Duggleby which raised £400, and a race night in Llansantffraid by Arthur Roberts which raised £1,473.
Other events such as whist drives, a Halloween walk, a curry night, a horse ride, carol singing and a beard shaving competition helped the total reach over £26,000.
Jake's mother and father Jim and Julie, and his brother Michael gave thanks to all who supported the fundraising with their kindness and generosity.
At the event on Friday, Jake's auntie Lynne Morris, and his cousins presented the money to the hospital, with a further £259 raised on the day through cake sales, donations and a raffle.
She said: "Julie and Michael were there and they were really pleased to see so many people attending, and it was nice to share the day together.
"It was a tearful moment when we heard the heartfelt words from the hospital about Jake.
"The family are so grateful for all the donations, and to everyone who has helped raise so much money."
Money can still be donated memory of Jake by visiting justgiving.com/fundraising/jakehughes2
