Amazing Jack is all smiles at his new school despite battling rare health condition

Wonder boy Jack Lewis is loving life at his new school – just seven years after he was born with his bowel, intestines and liver outside of his body.
Jack in his new school uniform.Jack in his new school uniform.
Jack in his new school uniform.

Proud Jack is pictured in his new uniform for Newcastle School for Boys where he started this month.

He adores maths, French, music and humanities but it has been no easy challenge for the Jarrow seven-year-old.

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Jack has overcome so much despite his young age.Jack has overcome so much despite his young age.
Jack has overcome so much despite his young age.

And even though he has settled wonderfully at the new school, where he has won a bursary, he is still fighting with a number of health problems.

His proud mum Sarah said: “He started at his new school the 1st week of September and he is absolutely loving it!

“Health wise it is not so good. His episodes of tummy pain and bloating are becoming more regular and intense which are all symptoms that something isn't right.

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"At the minute we are back and forth to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for testing as some of his symptoms are suggesting that he has a bladder stone forming again as well as bowel adhesions.”

Ready for school.Ready for school.
Ready for school.

Jack has had regular surgery ever since he was five months. He has been in hospital around 50 times.

During the lockdown, Jack set himself a daily schedule. He studied on a morning and then kept up his online dance lessons with the VA Performing Arts Tyneside.

Now he is at school and Sarah added: “He is loving, maths, French, music and humanities the best so far. He is also doing more classes with Val at dancing.

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“He has also been a great big brother to his little brother Archie who started reception class at school.”

Jack is also a lovely big brother to Archie who has just started school.Jack is also a lovely big brother to Archie who has just started school.
Jack is also a lovely big brother to Archie who has just started school.

Jack’s parents, Sarah and Gary, were informed at the 12-week scan that he would be born with the condition Exomphalos Major.

He had surgery at five months old when two hernias were operated on. Complications with a further operation to place the organs inside Jack’s body led to the youngster fighting for his life.

He had more surgery when the bowel came back through his stomach. More recently, Jack had two more operations and was poorly for a year with further bowel problems in 2018.

A message from the Editor:

A thumbs-up from Jack when he was in hospital.A thumbs-up from Jack when he was in hospital.
A thumbs-up from Jack when he was in hospital.

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