A TEENAGER’s fundraising efforts in support of a brain tumour blogger have earned him national recognition by an organisation continuing the legacy of Princess Diana.
Jake Mendelsohn, of Newton Aycliffe, has been named on the Diana Award roll of honour for 2018, which promotes the humanitarian and social action of young people.
The 15-year-old has been selected for undertaking the Great North Swim two years ago to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Research Campaign.
A Woodham Academy pupil, he was inspired to support the cause after witnessing family friend Anna Swabey’s determination to help others in the face of adversity.
Miss Swabey, of Newton Aycliffe, launched a campaign to raise £100,000 for research into the disease following a terminal diagnosis.
Ally Mendelsohn, Jake’s mother, said: “We were so amazed and humbled to hear that Jake has received the Diana Award for his efforts in raising awareness and money for Brain Tumour Research.
“When Anna was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour at the age of 23 Jake was determined to go some small way to helping her achieve her goal of raising £100,000.
“Jake’s inspiration was his grandfather, Peter Beaty, who worked tirelessly for charity all his life, raising thousands of pounds, and gaining an MBE at 78 years old in a ceremony which Jake attended at Buckingham Palace at the age of just eight.
"Jake has a very quiet but determined character and we’re exceptionally proud of the person he’s growing into.”
Miss Swabey attracted national attention with a blog called Inside My Head.
She died aged 25 in September, 2016. Jake, a Sedgefield Water Polo Club player, last year received a British Citizen Youth Award for the swim, which was completed in 15 minutes and raised £500 in 2016.
Ms Mendelsohn added: “Jake and his ten-year-old brother Isaac are planning to do two events this year, a sponsored swim to raise money for Alzheimer’s disease which their grandfather has and the Great North Run 5K/Junior Great North Run for Brain Tumour Research.”
Jake will receive his award at a ceremony at Leeds College of Music in September.
To sponsor Jake and Isaac email amendelsohn@gmx.co.uk
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