Kind and bubbly teenager living with chronic illness scoops police award

A ‘remarkable, caring and resilient’ teenager who has lived with a chronic illness has been recognised with an award acknowledging the ‘impact he makes on everyone he meets’. 

Jake Marshall has been living with Crohn's disease for the last five years, which has meant he’s had to spend a lot of time in hospital and away from school. 

However, despite his health challenges, the 15-year-old is described by his teachers as ‘an absolute star’ who is ‘brave, upbeat, and always thoughtful of others’. 

Jake’s sheer resilience, upbeat attitude, and strong willingness to help others resulted in him being nominated and then chosen as the winner of our Youth Impact Award.

This accolade formed part of our prestigious Nxt Gen Awards which have shone a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of young people from across Nottinghamshire. 

Jake, who lives in Coddington, Newark, and attends Sir William Robertson Academy in Welbourn, Lincolnshire, said: “When I was younger I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease so that has meant I’ve had to spend quite a bit of time out of school and in hospital having tests and going through different types of treatment. 

“I try and leave it at the hospital and I just come back to school and try to be myself because I don’t want it to bring me down. 

“I really enjoy the drama side of school, performing in shows, and entertaining the crowd. I help out whenever I can and I like making people happy and seeing smiles on their faces. 

“I’ve done pretty much every show at school. On the nights of shows I stay after school, help set up all the chairs, sweep the floors, and help set up the canteen. 

"I just make sure everyone else is happy with what they are doing, maybe go over some scenes if anyone is unsure.  I try to make sure everything is running fine and do my bit to help.” 

Jake was nominated for his award by Christina Mower, Head of Year 9, who described him as ‘an absolute credit to our school.’ 

She said: “Jake is a remarkable young person. Despite his own health challenges, he is so bright and bubbly and is always thoughtful of others. Nothing is ever too much and he loves helping in any way he can. 

“Jake’s resilience is remarkable and he is an absolute delight. He performs in all the school productions, supports performing arts staff with stage management/set design as well as being one of the main parts in most plays.

"Jake often checks in on the staff and teachers to make sure they are okay, as well as helping his peers in class. 

“Jake is on the student council, he volunteers for parent tours, open evenings, and school functions. He is a fantastic role model and other pupils turn to him for reassurance and hope when they feel unwell, unhappy, or upset. 

“He does so many things and he’s had a massive impact on this school and everyone in it.” 

Jake’s caring and thoughtful nature has even made a positive impact on his bus driver, always being willing to help out and assist the pupils on the bus. 

To show his appreciation, the driver gave Jake a treasured personal item - The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal - which he had previously been awarded in recognition of his time spent in the Ambulance Service. 

Among others touched by Jake’s kindness and bubbly personality include elderly people enjoying their annual Christmas parties.

Jake has cooked Christmas meals for them as well as singing and even doing a bit of bingo to keep them entertained. 

Jake said he was ‘blown away’ when he found out he had been nominated for our Youth Impact Award. 

“I’m lost for words. I didn’t think that the things I’ve done to try and make other people happier would have resulted in my nomination.

"I want to say a massive thank you to the people who put me forward for this award, for being ever so kind, and for supporting me through any issues at school,” he added.