A courageous seven-year-old boy from Essex is aiming to climb Mount Snowdon in Wales this month and raise hundreds of pounds of vital funds for a charity that supports him.
Jacob Tompkins, from Hatfield Peverel near Chelmsford, was once described as a ‘miracle baby’ after he was stillborn with asphyxia, a severe brain injury, but survived.
Jacob was born without a heart rate and it took doctors 22 minutes to resuscitate him before he started breathing.
His parents Laura and Abbie, who have two other children, were told Jacob would never walk.
But inspirational Jacob has battled against the odds and is able to walk and talk – and even completed a one-mile-a-day 50-mile charity run last year, as well as a fundraising bike ride.
Jacob is planning to start his Snowdonia trek on Monday 15 May. Alongside family and friends, he is aiming to complete the ascent of Mount Snowdon – the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) – in one day.
The money raised will be donated to The Dream Factory which fulfils wishes for children and young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions or severe disabilities. Jacob is an ambassador for the charity which helped him visit Lapland UK in 2021.
Proud mother Laura Tompkins said: “I’m so proud of how far he’s come, let alone how selfless he is. He’s amazing in every way. So thoughtful, kind, courageous. He’s everything we could ever wish for and more. We are forever proud of him.”
Jacob is being supported by local company County Broadband, which has donated hundreds of pounds worth of climbing gear and equipment and distributed over 6,500 leaflets to spread awareness among surrounding homes and businesses.
Craig Larter, Stakeholder Manager at County Broadband, based in Aldham, Essex, said: “As a local community provider, as soon as we heard about Jacob’s incredible story and Snowdon challenge, we wanted to support him and his family. We were proud to provide essential climbing equipment, including suitable walking boots and jackets.
“We have also pledged to match-fund his donation total up to £500 and would like to wish Jacob and his family the very best of luck for their Snowdonia trek!” To donate to Jacob’s fundraising campaign visit: https://justgiving.com/page/jacob-tompkins-snowdon
Credit: County Broadband
