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SCHOOL THREATENS JACK’S DREAM TRIP
A CANCER surviving youngster’s dream holiday could be blocked by his school, it has emerged. Ten-year-old Jack Bristow, from Popley, was looking to celebrate beating testicular cancer earlier this month by spending a week at Disney World in October, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. But the brave Merton Junior School pupil – who is thought to be the youngest person in the world to fight and overcome the disease, could be prevented from making the once in a lifetime trip with his family due to it being during term time. Jack’s family could also be fi ned £240 by the school if the holiday goes ahead – something that mum Joanne Bristow labelled “atrocious”. “If they don’t allow us to go, I’ll be naming and shaming a few people. “Jack hasn’t been able to do anything since last December – he’s been through hell. “It’s absolutely atrocious that they could do this to him. “It’s his dream to go and they shouldn’t be able to take it away from him.” Joanne is hoping that a letter from Make-A-Wish will convince the Popley school on Romsey Close to make an exception. And the mum of two was quick to express her gratitude to the foundation for helping make her
By Christian Wilson christian@taylornewspapers.co.uk
son’s dream to go to America during Halloween come true. “Jack’s fi rst wish was to do a Bear Grylls survival course, but he was too young, and his second was to visit the moon, which obviously couldn’t happen,” she said. “But not only did they grant his third wish to go to Disneyland Paris, they even gave us an upgrade on that to go to Florida instead. “I’m absolutely gobsmacked that they did that for us because they really didn’t have to and we are so grateful.” A Merton Junior School spokesperson said: “We’re pleased Jack is in remission, and we’ve advised the family that, while there are Department for Education guidelines we have to adhere to in managing absences, there are always special circumstances we will take into consideration.” Football-mad Jack was diagnosed with Seminomas, a testicular cancer germ cell tumour in December, after suffering a groin injury playing the sport. He has had an operation to remove his testicle and four cycles of chemotherapy since. • Continues on page 2 • Jack Bristow, who has officially beaten cancer, alongside younger brother Alfie.