Rest in peace Jake (From Oxford Mail)

Rest in peace Jake

8:00am Friday 10th July 2009

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YESTERDAY we lamented the bad side of this city after the appalling hammer attack on a tourist.

But today we can reflect on the positive side as we review the life of Jake Spicer, who has finally lost his long, yet brave, battle against cancer.

Jake’s death is terribly sad and we send our most heartfelt condolences to his parents, brothers, sister, family and friends.

During his short life Jake achieved so much more than many of us do: through his hard work and his inspiration he touched people’s lives and he bonded them together for good causes.

That is what made Jake so special.

He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer, five-and-a-half years ago and had to endure major operations and many courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Yet he was determined to live his life on his terms and attended school whenever he could and threw himself into raising money for the charities which had helped him.

At Christmas 2007 he was named a Little Star by Cancer Research UK for those efforts and just last week he was given a special recognition award in the Oxfordshire Youth Awards.

One other story, from April this year, also pays testament to this outstanding young man.

Thames Valley Police initially turned down a request to supply a police escort for the annual Easter run to the Children’s Hospital by the Oxford chapter of the Harley Davidson Owners Group.

However Jake, an honorary member, wrote to Chief Constable Sara Thornton asking her to reconsider as it would be the last time he was able to be take part and, such was the heart-wrenching nature of the letter, she relented.

Jake’s actions also do credit to his parents Michael and Lesley and siblings Aaron, Ryan and Maddison for the way they raised, cared and loved him.

Rest In Peace OX4 Soldier.

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