West Lothian schoolboys to run 5K in memory of pal who died from brain tumour

Two youngsters from West Lothian are set to run 5K in memory of their friend who sadly passed away after being diagnosed with cancer.

In a touching tribute to Jack Lees, Gregor Hales, 14, and Daniel Phillips, 13, will put their best foot forward on May 25. Jack, from East Calder, was just 11 when a tumour was discovered on his brain stem and underwent gruelling rounds of radiotherapy at Sick Kids in Edinburgh.

The Hearts fan, who also played for East Calder Football Club tragically died a a year later at the age of just 13 on 30, November 2023.

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Gregor's mum Sheena told how it has been hard on her son and Daniel after losing their best friend. However, they have been able to channel their grief into sports and are running 5k at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival to raise funds for the Team Jak Foundation.

Sheena, 53, told the Record: "It has been hard for the boys to process losing their best friend. The fundraiser and 5k is a good way for them to channel their grief.

"They wanted to do something positive and support his family. Knowing that Jack is still remembered is really important for the boys and Jack's family. They recognise the honour of the challenge and they're excited - they want to do the best they can on the day."

Sheena said the boys - who went to primary school and high school together as well as playing on the same football team - were there to support Jack on his journey with the disease. The mum said the fundraiser will help the boys to keep Jack's memory alive.

She continued: "They were a close-knit friend group. The 5k is a way to show them they care and that they want to keep Jack's memory alive. They went through primary school and onto high school and they played in the same football team. They were there through his cancer journey until the very end.

"When Jack finished his first round of radiotherapy, the boys made a sign and held it up for him that said well done. They led his coffin from the church to the graveyard in their football kits. It was a very grown-up thing for them to do.

"Since then, they all still individually go to Jack's graveside. It is a peaceful place for them and I think it has kept them together as friends."

The Team Jak Foundation was set up by 15-year-old Jak Trueman before he died from cancer in 2004. The charity, based in Livingston, offers support to young people with cancer, their families, friends and those bereaved throughout Scotland.

Sheena said: "When it was confirmed that Jack's diagnosis was terminal, the charity came into the school to support the children through counselling and coaching. It has really helped them to deal with their grief.

"The kids are encouraged to laugh and share stories that were fun about Jack. The boys wanted to give back to the charity that helped them, Jack and his family."

Jack has been remembered as being a "tenacious" football player with the "loudest laugh" and "brightest smile". Sheena added: "Jack had the loudest laugh and an amazingly bright smile. He was always so fun, he laughed inappropriately and he was so kind.

"He was very intelligent. On the pitch, he was tenacious and an observant player. He is missed dearly by all who knew him."

Commenting on the boys' efforts, Jack's dad, Gary, said: "Jack's mum and I are so proud of all Jack's friends who have helped raise funds during a very difficult time for them."

Donate to the boys' fundraiser here.