Big-hearted Jack walking 150km for Crumlin hospital

No one can accuse young Jack McDermott from Tullamore of taking things easy during lockdown.

Nine-year-old Jack is walking 150 kilometres this month to raise funds for the day unit at Crumlin's Children Hospital.

Jack's family know first hand the great work that the staff do at the hospital. He, along with his brother Brendan and sister Sommer, suffer from Bechet's Syndrome, a rare auto-immune disease that results in the inflammation of the blood vessels and tissues. Some of the most common symptoms include genital and mouth ulcers, painful and swollen joints, acne-like spots, red, painful eyes and blurred vision.

The condition affects Jack's eyes, joints and blood vessels, but it doesn't stop him leading a very active life. A big fan of sport, he plays with his local Gaelic football, hurling and soccer teams.

With school closed and training cancelled due to Covid-19, to keep himself occupied Jack challenged himself to walk 100km in January, a task he completed in only 17 days. He then decided that he would walk 150km in February and would raise funds for Crumlin Children's Hospital in the process.

Jack has enthusiastically embraced the challenge walking 60km in the first week and is set to comfortably hit his target.

He also set himself a fundraising goal of €150, but by yesterday morning already raised over €2,800.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent, his father Brendan said he is "extremely proud" of Jack and his positive attitude.

"He is a little topper, fair play to him,” he said, adding that Jack is always determined to show that he can continue to meet every challenge, despite his condition.

“If the challenge was climbing Mount Everest he would do it."

Jack and his siblings' health has improved significantly since they started having monthly infusions in Crumlin. Brendan says that his family is delighted to be able to give something back to the hospital.

"It's a place that is close to our heart. The have given so much to us and put so much work into our family. They are absolutely brilliant."

At the time of writing on Thursday, February 11, Jack had a little under 62km to go. Brendan accompanies his son every day and says that he is thoroughly enjoying the experience.

"It has been great for me spending time with him. The chats are mighty. He is a great lad to have a chat with and I am getting healthy too."

Thanking everyone who has donated so far, Brendan says that Jack's selflessness has captured people's imaginations at a time when good news stories are thin on the ground.

"He is a really good boy. We never give out to Jack. He has a really good work ethic and if you ask for something to be done he is the first one up to help. He is just a brilliant boy."

People can donate on the Go Fund Me webpage: www.gofundme.com/f/jacks-150km-walk-for-crumlin-medical-day-unit.