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Great Ormond Street patient Jake wins Pride of Britain Award

Take That's Gary Barlow presents Jake with his highly-prestigious Child of Courage Award at The Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards 2009.

Enlarge ImageGary Barlow presenting Great Ormond Street patient Jake with his Pride of Britain Award
Gary Barlow presenting Great Ormond Street patient Jake with his Pride of Britain Award

Popstar, Gary Barlow gave 12 year old Jake the biggest surprise of his life when he told him he had won a Pride of Britain Award.  The Take That singer wanted to meet leukaemia survivor Jake after he heard how his music helped him on the road to recovery when he came out of a month long coma.

Gary Barlow surprises Jake with award

Gary surprised Jake in the corridors of Great Ormond Street Hospital and told him he had won the award for his incredible fundraising efforts, which are on target to raise more than £600,000.

Completely overwhelmed, Jake burst into tears as his hero hugged him and handed him a golden envelope - his ticket to the Daily Mirror's glittering Pride of Britain Awards.

I can't believe people have nominated me for Pride of Britain and I am getting this award. Meeting Gary Barlow was amazing. I couldn't believe it, he's a legend.

When I saw the gold envelope though I knew it was Pride of Britain because I watch it every year.

Jake

Enlarge ImageJake meets Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas and Manuel Alumunia at the launch of Great Ormond Street's partnership with Arsenal
Jake meets Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas and Manuel Alumunia at the launch of Great Ormond Street Hospital's partnership with Arsenal

The moment was particularly special for Jake as he used to sing along to Take That’s song, Patience when he came out of a month long coma during treatment.

Jake is one of this year's inspirational Pride of Britain winners, who have all been chosen for their incredible acts of courage, selflessness and bravery. 

Charity of the Season partnership with Arsenal Football Club

The schoolboy is on target to raise £500,000 for the charity, for a new lung function unit after helping us secure a Charity of the Season partnership with Arsenal Football Club.

This is on top of £130,000 he has already raised for the charity by giving speeches he writes himself at their fundraising dinners.  

While he was sick he also made a video diary of his treatment which is now used to guide other young cancer patients.

I've been a supporter of Pride of Britain since it first started and I'm always blown away by the incredible things the winners have done.

It's not about celebrities, it's about real people doing amazing things, and it's great to be a part of making sure they are recognised.

When I heard about Jake I just had to come here and meet him today. He is a very deserving winner.

Gary Barlow

Watch Jake receive his Pride of Britain award

The event at the Grosvenor House in London's Park Lane is sponsored by the Co-operative and presented by Carol Vorderman.

Watch Jake's moment with Gary on the Pride of Britain Awards on ITV1, Wednesday October 7, 8pm. www.prideofbritain.com

Useful links

  • To see Jake’s video diary and find out more about his work with our Arsenal Charity of the Season partnership visit www.beagoonerbeagiver.org