Brave teenager battling with Leukaemia fronts this year’s Camp Simcha’s Pesach campaign

A 14-year-old girl from Borehamwood who has a rare form of blood cancer is fronting this year’s Camp Simcha Pesach appeal, after a song she released last year raised £12,000 for the children’s charity.

Abi Jacobs, who was diagnosed in December 2020, last year won support from comedian Matt Lucas, ‘Doctor Who’ star Jodie Whittaker, and presenter Emma Willis, for her charity single – a cover version of ‘Jealous’ by Labrinth.

Ahead of the annual appeal, Abi described both how the charity had helped her and her family, and how her life had become different to that of other children her age.

“Being ill changed me physically and mentally,” she said. “I used to be so busy and active, out having fun with my friends all the time. Once I got diagnosed and started treatment, I was too tired to go out. Chemo made me feel sick and exhausted.

“I felt scared to go out because there was a risk my blood wouldn’t clot if I hurt myself and I’d have to go back into hospital. I just wanted to be with my family where I felt safe. Camp Simcha took care of everything else so they could take care of me.”

The charity assigned dedicated help within hours, arranged for Abi to get therapeutic singing lessons as a coping strategy, and even organised equine therapy for her brother, Josh, as her mum, Lara, recalled how Abi’s diagnosis came in the middle of the night.

“We were admitted to hospital, then and there, with no warning. The next day, Sam, a family liaison officer from Camp Simcha, got in touch and told me she was sending in some things we’d need. She arranged so many practical things but also lovely treats to boost us.”

The charity said: “Abi is one of hundreds of children we support. They have serious, life-threatening, or life-limiting medical conditions, including serious genetic illnesses, cancer, degenerative muscular diseases, serious mental health conditions, and premature babies. We bring hope and joy to their lives at the darkest of times.”