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J-Jay Wood’s family pay tribute to him ahead of EACH fundraiser
J-Jay Wood was diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma in 2021 before his family and in March last year the family from Colchester were told he had just months to live – two days before his tenth birthday.
The tumour was in his pelvis and dug into the base of his spine and left hip, rendering it impossible to operate on.
The former Brinkley Grove Primary School pupil received several rounds of chemotherapy but it was impossible to remove the tumour because of its position in his body.
He courageously pushed on until he lost his battle in November last year.
“He was such a lovely little boy with a huge smile and cracking sense of humour,” said Jessica Fotheringham, the cousin of J-Jay’s mum, Marie. The pair are also best friends.
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“I always thought of him as my nephew, rather than my cousin’s son, because we were so close. He was an absolute joy to be around and spend time with.”
J-Jay’s bereaved family and friends have now signed up for a day of fundraising in October to thank the children’s hospice that helped him.
The group of 17 family members and friends are gearing up for a day of obstacles, water and mud after signing up for The Piglet Junior Hog, organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
The charity continues to offer bereavement counselling to J-Jay’s sister, Jenna-Mae, seven, and Jessica’s eight-year-old daughter Willow.
“It was a horrific time but the nurses were incredible,” said Jessica, who was there when J-Jay died.
“They couldn’t have done more for us and were even kind enough to come to the funeral.
“It was invaluable and I don’t know where we’d have been without it.
“It could have been catastrophic and would definitely have been overwhelming.”
On the fundraiser, Jessica added: “We can’t wait to have some fun together, while at the same time celebrating J-Jay’s life and helping raise vital funds for EACH.”
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