Teen Raises £220K After Brain Tumor, Gets Dream Train Day

Jack Thompson has been giving back since he was seven years old, and now the railway industry is giving back to him.

The Gateshead teenager raised an astounding £220,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer, the charity that supported his family after he was born with a brain tumour on his optic nerve. Network Rail and LNER surprised him this week with a dream day on the railway, including a chance to drive a train simulator.

"The day has just been absolutely amazing, a dream come true," Jack said. "I'd like to say a massive thank you to Network Rail and LNER for arranging this day out."

Jack's journey started when he was diagnosed as a baby. Over the years, he endured seven rounds of chemotherapy and proton therapy, which left him registered blind. But at age seven, he decided he wanted to help other kids facing similar battles.

Since then, he's completed skydrives, runs, ziplines, and organised countless bake sales and raffles. His dedication earned him a special honor in 2021 when Young Lives vs Cancer named their Manchester accommodation "Jack's House" in tribute to his fundraising efforts.

The surprise railway day included a tour of the York Rail Operating Centre, a visit to the newly redeveloped Darlington station, and hands-on time with an LNER Azuma train simulator. His nana, Elaine McKay, who has supported much of his fundraising work, joined him for the experience.

Why This Inspires

Jack's story shows what happens when gratitude turns into action. At an age when most kids were playing video games, he was organizing fundraisers. Now studying travel and tourism at college, he's turned a childhood of medical challenges into a lifetime mission of helping others.

Gunnar Lindahl from Network Rail and LNER called Jack "an extraordinary young man" whose story left a real impression on railway staff. Samantha Hughes from Young Lives vs Cancer said the charity remains "in awe of everything he has achieved."

Jack's £220,000 contribution helps fund accommodations and support services that keep families together during cancer treatment, ensuring other children receive the same care that helped him survive.