For Notts County’s FA Trophy fixture vs Chorley FC last month, Notts County Foundation and the club partnered to give away a mascot package for a child who deserved it most at Christmas. We received many responses, all with genuine reasons as to why the child they know deserved this once in a lifetime experience. However, after much deliberation, we decided to select Jake Tomkiss as the lucky young person to walk out onto the hallowed turf at Meadow Lane dressed in the full Notts County kit. He had a great experience, despite the game being rescheduled, and he got to meet the entire first team squad in his free kit given to him by the club.
9-year-old Jake was selected, as we feel that he was a worthy recipient after everything he has been through. He has scoliosis (curvature of the spine) which means that as he grows, he must undergo surgery to get the metal rods changed. This is something that must be done every 6 months and his next round of surgery is scheduled for January 2023. Alongside this, his Father Mark Tomkiss has been undergoing treatment for cancer and is thankfully now in remission, which everyone at the club and foundation are delighted to hear about.
Despite this consistent struggle, Jake has remained positive and was a huge supporter of his Father’s recovery. To quote his Mother Joanne Tomkiss “He’s an inspiration to myself, my husband, and many others. He’s the strongest, bravest, sweetest, and most caring little boy ever and we are incredibly proud of him.”
There were many children who deserved this extra Christmas gift, but unfortunately only one could receive it. However, upon reading the heart-breaking stories from families we decided to present everyone who entered with a free ticket to an upcoming Notts County fixture as we didn’t want anyone to go without. Thanks again to Notts County Football Club for approaching us with the opportunity to give a young person in our community a day to remember.
