“My confidence and social skills took a really big hit post-treatment. I was isolated for almost a year and a half, but I’ve been open to the idea of the charity from the start. My love for sport and challenging myself made me look forward to starting.” – Jacob
Invasive treatment doesn’t take away a child’s desire to move, to play and to push themselves. The ones who take part in our PB Active programme at Momentum Fitness Charity teach us that all the time.
Jacob had a Medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumour that originates in the cerebellum, removed in early 2018, right as he was about to start secondary school. His treatment involved 30 days of radiotherapy and a year of chemotherapy. It left him with permanent brain fog and restricted blood flow to his left ear causing quiet, distorted hearing and tinnitus.
But none of that stopped him. Because when he managed something athletes train for years to achieve in just weeks, even the gym regulars couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
You could tell Jacob was both nervous and excited when he arrived for his first session. A big, unfamiliar gym environment can have that effect on you, especially when you’re so young. Part of the job as a coach is to recognise that and make sure every participant feels comfortable and welcomed from the start.
So, we talked about what he wanted to achieve and his previous gym experience, but also about his studies, hobbies, and what he enjoyed most outside of training. It’s important that every session feels like it’s built around the person, not the programme.
“My coach has been very understanding of the lack of hearing in my left ear. Turning down music and making sure he is on the right side of me when demonstrating or explaining movements.” – Jacob
Jacob mentioned he had some limited gym experience and an interest in climbing, but what really motivated him was learning proper Olympic lifting technique, gymnastics, and improving his cardiovascular endurance. From the very first week, it was clear he had a quiet determination. His baseline test set a high bar, and he never stopped raising it.
“I was impressed with Jacob from the start, but I’ve still been blown away by how much he’s improved. His progress has been nothing short of remarkable.” – Daryl, Coach and Physical Therapist
Lifting, gymnastics, cardiovascular endurance – Jacob improved across every single discipline. His openness to being coached and his ability to adapt were incredible. If a cue or adjustment to technique was given, he would lock in and try again until he felt the difference.
His persistence paid off in a huge way when partway through the programme, he managed a muscle-up, a gymnastic movement that takes many athletes years to master. It became an incredible moment the whole gym was talking about.
Week by week his progress was obvious. Not just to the coaches but to everyone. Regulars at the gym started asking after him and acknowledging his ability when he came in for sessions. These small moments said so much about how far he’d come, not just in his fitness, but in his confidence. We had the pleasure of watching him transform from a reserved newcomer to someone who carried himself like part of the gym community.
“I noticed improvements in my cardiovascular fitness and my muscle-ups. I discovered that I could link toes to bar!” – Jacob
Watching Jacob’s growth is a reminder of why we do what we do at Momentum Fitness Charity. Sometimes it’s helping children return to the activities they loved. Sometimes it’s discovering new ways of moving once treatment ends. But sometimes, the benefits reach far beyond fitness itself.
His journey is exactly why PB Active exists. To help young people rebuild strength, confidence, and connection after the hardest chapters of their lives. His achievements and development show us that every child’s potential is limitless, regardless of circumstance.
Jacob summed it up best when we asked him what he would say to someone in his position unsure about trying Momentum Fitness Charity.
“Definitely give it a go. Overall, I can see no faults. I had a great coach who was an even nicer person. The sessions were all well-structured and it always feels good walking away from a session knowing you just pushed yourself harder than last time.” – Jacob