Teen facing rare cancer records song to raise money for charity

A teenager who is undergoing chemotherapy for a rare form of cancer has released a cover of her favourite song – to raise money for the charities who have supported her.

Abi Jacobs, 13, from Borehamwood, was diagnosed in December with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a rare type of cancer which affects white blood cells.

Brave Abi is having to undergo intensive chemotherapy to treat the illness, but didn’t let that stop her from releasing a cover of Jealous by Labrinth for charity.

The teen has set herself a demanding target of £50,000 to raise for the organisations that have supported her, such as Camp Simcha and Chai Cancer Care. You can donate here.

“She first got ill in December last year,” said her dad, Adam. “Since then they’ve been doing various tests and treatments, and chemotherapy. 

“She lost her hair five weeks after starting treatment. It’s been quite tough, she’s had nausea, she had inflammation on one side of her brain, she’s had severe headaches.

“But she’s coped incredibly well, she’s been a real inspiration to everybody, just through her focus and the way she’s tackled it.”

When the most recent round of chemo is finished, aspiring singer Abi will then have to move onto a two-year phase of ‘maintenance’ chemo.

Charities and communal groups have rallied around to help the Jacobs. 

“We’ve had so much support from the Jewish community and charities, so we wanted to raise money to give back to them,” he said.

Speaking before the cover, Abi added: “Without these charities, I don’t know what I would do, I’m really grateful.”

Among the support was Camp Simcha paying for Uber rides to the hospital, Chai Cancer Care providing advice, and members of the family’s synagogue making sure they were never without a cooked meal.

With the help of family friend Dean Greenfield, Abi recorded the cover six days ago, and has so far raised nearly £6,000.

“We’ve had so many friends and family giving, but we’ve had anonymous donations, of up to £100, which is just amazing,” said Adam.

“It just seems to have touched people and they just want to help.”

To see Abi’s cover of Jealous, or to donate, visit https://gofund.me/d6fc9917.