A dad whose ‘world was flipped upside down’ following the death of his baby son has signed up for a wacky fundraiser to help the charity that supported him.
Jason Wilkins is taking part in the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) The Piglet, Junior Hog event at Wantisden Hall, near Woodbridge, on Sunday, 12th July.
The four-kilometre course includes crawling through tunnels, splashing into muddy water and clambering over hay bales.
Jason wants to show his support as son Isaac received end-of-life care from EACH over Christmas 2009.
He had the genetic, muscle-wasting condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and was five months old when he died in March 2010.
“I have no idea how we got through that period,” said Jason, who is married to Sarah and lives in Debenham. The couple have two sons – Theo, 15, and ten-year-old Ned.
“EACH was unbelievable in every way, and I can’t fault any aspect of the care and support we received.
“They were there for us at a time when our emotions were all over the place, giving us space to create treasured memories with Isaac.
“Without their support, we’d never have had that opportunity, and we’ll both be eternally grateful.
“Without EACH, we wouldn’t have had a Christmas with Isaac. Nothing was too much trouble, and those precious days will always be special to us.
“We probably didn’t appreciate it fully at the time, because of the emotion and strain we were feeling. Things were happening around us, and we didn’t really know what was going on.
“However, looking back, the fact people gave up their own Christmas to be with us and cook us dinner was incredibly kind. They made a sacrifice, and we’ll always be grateful.”
Isaac was Jason and Sarah’s first baby and born in October 2009.
It was a health visitor who first voiced concerns about his health and SMA was diagnosed after eight weeks. The couple were told their son would not live to see his first birthday and put in touch with EACH.
They moved to Walker Close – the charity’s former Suffolk hospice – on Christmas Eve and spent ten days there over the festive period of 2009.
Despite not being expected to survive, Isaac defied the odds and was deemed well enough to go home. His condition then deteriorated, and he died in March 2010.
Jason, 46, is taking on The Piglet, Junior Hog with Ned and his son’s team-mates from Framlingham Town Youth Football Club’s under-tens.
“It’s been a while since we did anything to show our support and appreciation, so this feels a perfect opportunity,” said Jason, a Station Manager for Suffolk Fire and Rescue.
“It’s going to be great fun – a perfect way to raise funds for a cause close to our hearts.
“It also ticks every box, giving us a chance to raise funds for EACH, heighten awareness of SMA and celebrate and remember Isaac.
“He’ll always be a huge part of our lives, and we want more people to know about his condition. That’s why I’ll always be open and honest about what happened and grab any opportunity to talk about him.”
Jason and Sarah have previously raised funds for EACH, including organising a live music event called Isaac’s Day, at Isaacs on the Quay, in Wherry Quay, Ipswich.
To show your support and sponsor Jason and Ned, click here. For more information and to sign up for The Piglet, Junior Hog, head here.
