AN eight-year-old boy who underwent major surgery over Christmas has set out to repay those who looked after him.
Since birth, Jacob Littlefair had suffered from bowel problems and was admitted to Leeds General Infirmary in December for an ACE colostomy procedure.
Having now recovered, Jacob and his mother, Sarah Walker, were so pleased with the treatment and care he received from staff on his ward that they decided to give something back.
The Broomfield School pupil started his own appeal to collect Easter eggs to give to children on his former ward.
Collecting across Northallerton and Thirsk, he has collected over 300 chocolate eggs for the hospital.
DONATED EGGS: Jacob with Alan Child, of Victoria Fish and Chips, who donated some Easter eggs
Miss Walker said: “His life has been changed massively. The charity that they did for him at LGI was absolutely fantastic.
“The nurses on the ward were amazing. I feel like they are my family.
“At one point Jacob had no social life because he soiled from morning to night. But within the space of four months he now gets involved with everything.
“Last year, his school attendance it was 50 per cent and it’s gone up to 100 per cent since his surgery.
"His confidence has gone from zero to 100."
Jacob and his mother set up collection points at various local businesses in Thirsk and Northallerton.
Paul Rowntree, owner of La Grande Dame in Thirsk, where Miss Walker works, offered to be a collection point.
Easter eggs have also been collected at Victoria Fish and Chips in Northallerton, owned by Alan Child, and Go Diva salon in Thirsk, owned by Gemma Priestley.
CHARITY COLLECTION: Gemma Priestley, owner of Go Diva, with Jacob and Easter eggs
Also supporting Jacob's appeal was Theresa Watkins from IAS and those at Visage Hair and Beauty.
Miss Walker said she wanted to thank all those who have contributed to Jacob's appeal and the businesses who offered their support by collecting donations.
She said: "Jacob has been in and out of hospital all his life but from December to now he has grown. He has even been swimming since his surgery.
"And for a little boy decide that he wants to give his Easter eggs to children in hospital, it just blew me away.
"Jacob also wanted to thank Helen and Murry Foster for the support he received from them - they helped him massively.
"We both want to thank Mr Sugarman at Leeds General Infirmary and all the staff and ward L42."
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