Thirteen-year-old who died from rare cancer awarded military children’s charity medal

A thirteen-year-old boy from Larkhill who died from a rare childhood cancer in April has been awarded a medal by military children’s charity, Little Troopers.

Jake Swinscoe was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in August 2023. Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma is so rare, there are just 31 cases diagnosed every year in England.

Despite receiving intensive chemotherapy and proton beam therapy, the family were told in March that Jake’s cancer had spread and could not be cured.

Jake’s dad serves in the Royal Artillery and Jake moved to Larkhill with his mum, dad and sister Ava in 2020.

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In July 2023, Jake complained of hay fever-like symptoms before the bridge of his nose started to swell. Jake’s GP immediately sent him to A&E where he was admitted to Salisbury District Hospital and a CT scan showed a mass behind his nose.

Jake was transferred to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance for a biopsy and more tests, and two weeks later the family were told he had cancer.

Jake’s Mum, Lynsey, nominated him for the Little Trooper of the Month Award (Image: Little Troopers)

Jake completed nine rounds of chemotherapy and 28 rounds of Proton Beam therapy and was due to move onto the maintenance phase of his treatment when an MRI scan showed that the cancer had spread into his spinal cord and fluid surrounding his brain. He died peacefully at home 29 days later on April 26.

Jake’s Mum, Lynsey, nominated him for the Little Trooper of the Month Award, which recognises military children who have been especially brave and resilient.

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Lynsey said: “I nominated Jake for the Little Troopers award for his incredible bravery throughout his journey. Since his original diagnosis, he never complained about having to be admitted to hospital for treatment. He was always so mature and endured chemotherapy with a smile on his face and fierce determination, even when things were extremely tough.

"He was supported by his sister Ava who has been Jake’s best friend and rock of support throughout this whole journey, always by his bedside and helping to keep him smiling. We would like the world to know that Jake was an amazing young man and an inspiration to us all.”

Founder of Little Troopers, Louise Fetigan, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about Jake’s passing. It was important to us to honour Jake’s nomination so that his bravery and his journey were recognised and shared with our community.

"Jake was an amazing Little Trooper and our thoughts go out to all of Jake’s friends and family at this difficult time.”

Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces. For more information visit littletroopers.net.

For more information about Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, visit sarcoma.org.uk.