Care for his mum wins Jak, 13, top award

Jak Boden’s mum, Carol Jackson, suffers from pancreatitis, which causes pain, fever, chills, vomiting, tiredness and anxiety. Some days, she struggles to even get out of bed.

But Jak thinks the world of her and is only too happy to help around the house, tidy up, cook and go to the shops.

Now he has been rewarded as the Ashfield winner in Nottinghamshire County Council’s Outstanding Achievement 4Uth Awards, which are designed to recognise the extraordinary efforts of young people.

Jak was nominated by youth worker Paul Race, who said: “Jak is a pleasant young man with a caring spirit. He is possibly autistic, but this never affects his positive attitude.

“He just wants to make his mum’s life happier. He says he doesn’t like seeing her suffer and being sad.”

A pupil at Quarrydale Academy, Jak also has a sister, 15-year-old Hailey, at home, and he can count on the support of dad Matt Boden, who lives in Mansfield Woodhouse but visits regularly, and three older siblings.

Mum Carol said: “We are over the moon that Jak has won this award. He has had some really hard times growing up, but he has been a solid rock for me.

“He does a lot for me and has a lovely caring nature. I suffer from depression, but Jak always makes me feel much happier, making me a cup of tea and giving me a hug.”

Jak is also involved in community projects, including a Scout group in Huthwaoite, and supported his little niece, Katlin, when she was struck by cancer a few years ago.