CARING Jacob Jones is giving up his birthday presents and has organised a sponsored bike ride on his big day.
Jacob, nine, from Prestatyn, will ride from Splash Point in Rhyl to the Nova, Prestatyn and back to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
Jacob’s charity ride has caught the imagination of his classmates at Ysgol Llewelyn, Rhyl, many of whom have signed up to raise money.
Jacob’s mother, Ann Claire, said: “For a long time he’s wanted to raise money for the BHF. Our next door neighbour lost her husband to a heart attack, and a family friend, who Jacob called “Taidy Roberts” also died of heart disease. He came up with the idea himself and he’ll be cycling in their memory.
“I’m very proud of the fact that he said to give donations instead of birthday presents. It’s lovely.”
The ride takes place next Tuesday when Jacob will be joined by his mother, three year old brother and schoolmates.
Mabon ap Gwynfor, North Wales Fundraising Volunteer Manager for the BHF said: “Jacob contacted the BHF explaining that he wanted to do a fundraiser for us. We obviously welcomed this and were more than happy to work with him and his family, but what was more surprising was to understand that he was organising it as part of his birthday celebrations and that he was asking people to donate to the BHF instead of wanting to receive presents himself. He’s a great kid with a very big heart.
“The money raised by Jacob will go towards helping save people’s lives. The BHF has been fighting heart disease for 50 years, and we can only do the work that we do because of people like Jacob and those that donate.”
If you want to pledge funds to the bike ride, contact Ann Claire on 01745 342870.