A FORMER Barnsley FC player has helped raise thousands of pounds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital after being inspired by a youngster from the town who was diagnosed with a rare disorder.

Ten-year-old Jack Powell, from Barnsley, was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta when he was born – meaning his bones are extremely fragile and are susceptible to breaking very easily.

Jack’s footballing hero is former Reds player Jacob Brown, who currently plays for Championship side Luton Town, and the pair first met back in 2019 whilst Brown was at Oakwell.

Jack, who was five years old at the time, was invited to be a mascot for one of their games, but his condition meant it was too difficult for him to walk out with the team.

Seeing his struggle, Jacob didn’t hesitate in picking Jack up and carrying him out onto the pitch to ensure he didn’t miss out on such an unbelievable experience.

Ever since that day, Jacob has stayed in touch with Jack and his family – and the youngster has become a loyal fan, following Jacob’s career to Stoke City FC and now the Hatters.

Jacob said: “Despite the challenges he faces, Jack always has the biggest smile on his face, and has a brilliant outlook on life.

“When he walks into a room, he brings this incredible energy.

“He’s been my biggest inspiration since the day we met.”

Since he was six weeks old, Jack has been treated at Sheffield Children’s by the Paediatric Bone Disease Service – an internationally recognised team that, along with the help and expertise of a range of colleagues across the hospital, provides high-quality care for children and young people with a wide range of bone-related problems from across the UK.

Jack’s relationship with the former Premier League footballer has led to him trying to raise funds for the hospital.

Jacob added: “Jack is just the nicest kid ever.

“It was his birthday a couple of weeks ago and my wife, Maisie, and I thought it would be cool to invite him to the Luton training ground for the day, which the club were great at supporting us with.

“He had such a good time, and everyone was amazed with how positive he is, so I wanted to do something special to give back to the team that have helped Jack throughout his life, and to raise more awareness of osteogenesis imperfecta.”

To help raise funds for Jack and the hospital, the Scotland international called on his footballing friends to help out.

He managed to secure treasure trove of signed football shirts and boots from players including Alfie Doughty, Carlton Morris, Elijah Adebayo, Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu, Chiedozie Ogbene, Tahith Chong, Mick Hartford, Ross Barkley, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tyrese Campbell, Jordan Williams, Callum Styles, Harry Souttar, Jordan Thompson, Ben Wilmot and Brian Howard.

Danielle, Jack’s mum, said: “We can’t thank Jacob and Luton FC enough for what they have all done for Jack.

“He’s literally grown up with the team and is Jacob’s biggest fan.

“We’ve seen firsthand the difference donations can make, and we’re so grateful for the support and care we’ve received.”

Paul Arundel, paediatric consultant in the Paediatric Bone Disease team at Sheffield Children’s, said: “Our team are delighted and impressed by the fundraising done by Jacob and the impact that Jack has had.

“Money raised for our team is much appreciated and allows us to purchase equipment for children with bone disease for whom there is no alternative source of funding or provision.

“Typically, this will include aids for mobility and for other activities of daily living, allowing independence and improving the quality of life of both children and their families.

“It also allows our team to run social and other group events for families of children with bone-related problems.”

Jacob added: “It’s a great feeling to be able to use my position and platform to help people.

“I originally set a target to raise £5,000 in total and couldn’t believe it when we’d surpassed that in the first couple of days.

“I’d really like to get to £10,000 now – I think we can all do something amazing, together.”