When 17-year-old Jake Cook heard about Tabatha’s Smile, he didn’t just think it was a good cause — he was personally inspired by Tabatha herself, who he had known. Moved by her spirit and determination, Jake wanted to do something special in her memory to help others experience the joy she brought to so many lives.
Last Christmas, he told his parents he was going to run a marathon to raise money for the charity. True to his word, he trained through the spring and completed the incredible challenge entirely on his own, running from Braunton along the Tarka Trail to the other side of Torrington and back, finishing triumphantly in Instow with perfect timing to open the local Instow on Show day on the 10th of August.
Through his hard work, dedication, and generosity, Jake raised an amazing £813 to help bring theatre and music experiences to young people aged 15 to 25 who are in treatment for cancer or life-threatening illnesses — continuing Tabatha’s legacy of light, laughter, and joy.
