Brakes fans show support for super Ted and his gang

Ted Jakeman, five, was the team’s mascot for the day in their recent 4-2 home win against Cambridge City at the New Windmill Ground.

He proudly wore his Brakes kit all day and refused to take it off even at bed time.

Jim Scott, chairman of Leamington FC, said: “We are so pleased that Ted enjoyed his day at the New Windmill Ground.

“He is such a brave young man.

“The players took a shine to Ted and judging by the score line he was obviously a lucky mascot for us.

“The club and supporters wish Ted well for the future and are happy that we have been able to contribute in some small way.”

Ted suffers from Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS), which is an inherited genetic condition that affects digestion, growth, immunity, bone marrow, teeth, skeletal development and other parts of the body.

About 30 per cent of those with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome who go on to develop Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) have an average life expectancy of just over ten years old.

Those who do not develop AML can hope to live past 35.

Fundraising took place at the ground into research for the condition.

This raised almost £450.

Ted’s mother Abi said: “We are all grateful for being made to feel so welcome, for everyone being so generous and giving Ted such a great day.”

Ted, who is a pupil Russell Street School in Stony Stratford near Milton Keynes, was diagnosed with SDS when he was just 22-months old. He attends a specialist clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital and sees a gastroenterologist and a hameotologist.

If Ted gets a temperature of over 38C he has to be rushed to hospital where he has open access to the children’s ward.

This happens between six and ten times each year.

Despite his health problems Ted’s loved ones say he is a very normal, naughty, happy, fire engine-loving little boy.

Ted’s Gang was registered as an official charity in 2009 and its aim is to support research and education related to Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.

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