Jack receives a heartwarming One Big Thank You surprise on The One Show

On Thursday evening (2 April), 17-year-old fundraiser Jack Thompson from Gateshead received a special surprise with the help of a very famous bear for One Big Thank You on The One Show, after raising more than £220,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer! 

Jack began fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer when he was just seven years old, after being supported by the charity himself. Jack was born with a brain tumour on his optic nerve and has had seven rounds of chemotherapy, proton therapy and is registered blind. Despite the many challenges life has thrown at him, he has channelled his resilience into helping others facing childhood cancer, inspiring thousands along the way.

This week, his extraordinary dedication to fundraising was recognised on BBC’s The One Show, where the episode showed Jack being whisked away for a private tour of The Paddington Bear Experience at London County Hall. Cameras captured the moment at the end of the tour, when Jack was surprised by Madeleine Harris, who plays Judy Brown in the Paddington films. She presented him with his very own personalised pot of marmalade, inscribed with ‘One Big Thank You’ in braille as she thanked him for everything he has done to support children and young people with cancer.

Over the years, Jack has taken part in an incredible range of fundraising activities – from an adrenaline fuelled skydive to community bake sales and tombolas. Many of his efforts were supported by Morrisons, where Jack and his nan, Elaine, became familiar faces in stores across the Northeast and beyond, as Jack made it his mission to visit every single store.

Jack’s impact has been so remarkable that in 2021, Young Lives vs Cancer and Morrisons, who funded the home, named the charity’s Manchester Home from Home Jack’s House in his honour. Jack’s House provides free accommodation, helping families stay together during cancer treatment without the pressure of travel or hotel costs. 

Cheryl, our wonderful Accommodation Manager at Jack’s House, was filmed as part of the programme alongside Olivia, and her mum Karen, who were staying in the Home. They shared how Jack’s House has helped their family, and why people like Jack are so special for helping raise vital funds for supporting children and young people with cancer.

Sam Hughes, Fundraising Manager for Northeast at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “Jack is truly one of a kind. His compassion and commitment to helping other young people with cancer is extraordinary. Nominating Jack for One Big Thank You felt like the perfect way to celebrate everything he has achieved. Watching him experience the surprise was incredibly moving for all of us – as we know how much Jack loves the Paddington films.

“Jack’s efforts continue to help ensure that Young Lives vs Cancer, and our social workers and accommodation services can be there for families who need support now more than ever. Young Lives vs Cancer relies on donations, like Jack’s, to provide the vital support children and young people with cancer and their families need. Thank you to the team at The One Show, One Tribe TV, Madeleine Harris and everyone at The Paddington Bear Experience who made this thank you so special. And thank you to Jack from us all.”

Jack said: “It was an amazing and unforgettable day and really special that The One Show chose me. If any of my regular fundraising supporters watched, thank you so much – it really means a lot. You’re not just helping me keep going, but you’re helping lots of other children and young people like myself who are facing cancer, along with their families.

“Seeing the scenes from the films I love in real life at The Paddington Bear Experience was just amazing. I can’t thank everyone enough – it was a dream come true. I’m so proud to be a vital volunteer for Young Lives vs Cancer.”

You can watch Jack Thompson’s One Big Thank You, on The One Show, on BBC iPlayer from Thursday 2 April, 7pm.