WellChild award for Jake Stacey
We teach some truly inspirational kids at Essex Vocal Coaching. And this week see’s one of them getting some recognition for just this: The WellChild Awards celebrated the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.
Jake Stacey has spinal muscular atrophy, which means his muscles are gradually weakening and he is therefore a wheelchair user. There is a serious lack of funding for the drug he needs; Spinraza which helps slow down this process, however this doesn’t stop him from following his dream of being a performer: he has an agent, has been on TV quite a few times now and last Christmas he played the lead, alongside Tom Fletcher in The Christmasaurus, at the Hammersmith Apollo!
This week Jake went off to London to collect his WellChild Award for Inspirational Young Person in the 11-14 category. We spoke to him ahead of the ceremony to see how he is feeling about it all! Read all about this below, but first here's more about Jake!
Lots going on this week! Which part of it are you most looking forward to?
"Can't believe I'm saying this but .... meeting Prince Harry and Megan!"
How does it feel to be receiving this award?
"I'm very nervous but excited at the same time; to be honest I don't really know how to explain it"
You’ve achieved so much for a kid your age, let alone a kid your age with the challenges you face! What advice would you give to others in a similar position to yourself?
"Keep trying and don't give up. If someone says no, don't just get upset and forget about it, keep going until you achieve what you set out to do"
Who are the people who have made everything you do possible?
"So many! But here's who immediately spring to mind:
Penni Bubb: for teaching my drama lessons
Tom Fletcher for doing the Christmasaurus with me
My Mum (Lora Stacy) for getting me places for drama and singing lessons
Louisa Strachan for helping me with my singing"
What’s coming up next for Jake Stacey?
"I hope to be in a lot more West End shows that are accessible for me. And I'd like to do a lot more TV".
Since this interview, Jake has met both Prince Harry and Meghan, been personally invited to see School of Rock by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, met a heap of celebrities and done loads more TV! To keep up to speed with Jake’s journey, you can follow him on Instagram: @jake_star_zebedee
Visit www.wellchild.org.uk to read more about his award. And click here to read more about the organisation that makes it possible for Jake to be involved in the Arts.