Teenager raises thousands for charities after cancer diagnosis

Abi Jacobs, 13, and her family were called into hospital on one night in December last year and delivered the news that Abi had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Abi, who lives in Borehamwood with her parents and two younger siblings, was immediately taken to a hospital in London to start treatment and she has since undergone intensive treatment including several rounds of chemotherapy.

The youngster’s hair began falling out and she was separated from most of her family because of Covid restrictions.

But the schoolgirl has fought hard and has even found the strength to try and help others while contending with her own health.

Abi Jacobs

Earlier this year, the aspiring singer released a video of her singing Jealous by singer-songwriter Labrinth.

Her cover was spotted and been supported by a host of celebrities including comedian and Habs Boys' alumni Matt Lucas, Friends star Courtney Cox, and TV presenter Emma Willis.

The song was released by Abi to help raise money for charities that have helped her and are close to her family’s heart, including Camp Simcha and Chai Cancer Care.

The family also want to show their gratitude to Watford General Hospital and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who have helped treat Abi, while the Little Princess Trust provided the teenager with a wig.

The fundraiser has so far received £12,585 in donations.

Abi Jacobs

Abi's father Adam said: "It was a massive shock to the system, receiving a call from Watford General at midnight in December last year.

"I wasn’t able to see my wife Lara and Abi for weeks due to Covid while she was undergoing treatment. It has been hard on all of us.

"But we are massively proud of Abi. She has always been proactive and this (cancer diagnosis) has given her the drive to push forwards.

"She is very creative and decided she wants to channel that into her music and writing. She writes her own material and has plans to release more music.

"We all want to support the charities who have supported Abi."

The Jacobs family

Adam says his daughter is "amazingly positive and very optimistic".

She has been through several rounds of chemotherapy and recently began a stage which is known as "maintenance".

This is a stage that is designed to stop the cancer coming back with Abi set to receive treatment until April 2023.

Abi's Go Fund Me page can be found here.