A 15-YEAR-OLD boy is hosting a squash tournament in honour of relatives who have both suffered from motor neurone disease.
Jake Leahey, the brother of Britain’s Got Talent Star Jamie Leahey, was so inspired by the need for more research into the devastating illness that he decided to organise and host an event to raise funds.
The Rainford High pupil - a talented squash player - is hosting the event at Capitol Squash in St Helens on Saturday, May 2 from 9.30am to 9pm with tournaments featuring a pros match and visits from local celebrities.
What is MND?
According to the NHS, Motor Neurone Disease, commonly referred to as MND, causes muscle weakness that gets worse over a few months or years. It's usually life-shortening and there's currently no cure.
Jake, who also plays youth rugby league for Pilkington Recs, said: “It’s been quite stressful getting everything sorted and organised but my great-granddad and great-uncle both have [had] MND and it is a cruel condition. My great-granddad passed away from it and we all need more research done.
“I’ve done everything myself but it will be all worth it to help a good cause.”
17-year-old Jamie Leahey, Jake’s brother who rose to fame in Britain’s Got Talent in 2022 with his ventriloquism act, added: “I’m really proud of Jake, it’s taken a lot of work on his part and we are all behind him.
“Our older sister Mia is at Loughborough Uni and is a squash player and has been giving him advice too as has my dad. It means a lot to us all.
“Kevin Sinfield raised a lot of much-needed awareness on MND thanks to his friendship with Rob Burrow, my uncle’s is the genetic type called SOD1-MND, which due to research can be treated to help delay symptoms.
“Research is so important to find these things out, which is why what Jake is doing is so important.”
The event includes: a full adult squash tournament, a junior tournament, raffle prizes and fundraising activities and an exhibition match featuring professional squash players.
The event has had support from Krol Corlett Construction, Vinyline Sign and Graphics, Wynsors Shoes, and Spar retailers. In addition, professional rugby league player James Roby will be attending on the day.
Jake initially set out to raise £2,000 and has already surpassed that target, currently reaching £2,060, with hopes of raising even more.
To donate go to justgiving.com/page/jake-leahey-1
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