SOMERSET cricketers and coaches have rallied round a young player who is determined to help others after being diagnosed with cancer.
Jayden Cruickshank, 11, has Anaplastic Large T Cell Lymphoma (ALCL), a rare type of Non–Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
From training with the Somerset Pathway and North Curry Youth Cricket Club, playing rugby for Taunton Eagles, football for Galmington Dragons and working towards a taekwondo black belt, he is now restricted to a single room for five days at a time as he receives chemotherapy.
Since it was revealed Jayden had cancer, he has been inundated with well wishes, signed shirts and video messages from England and Somerset players, including Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook and Sophie Luff.
Somerset's Marchant de Lange and Sonny Baker spent an afternoon at the youngster's home, while skipper Tom Abell showed him round the ground before a match.
Boyd Cruickshank, Jayden’s father, said: "He’s accepted everything, from his hair falling out through to the illness following the chemotherapy cycles.
“We're so proud of his attitude and his desire to help others in similar situations.
Jayden with Slomerset captain Tom Abell.
"It was his idea to set up a gofundme page to help other people. His outlook has been amazing. He's always thinking about other people."
Mr Cruickshank added: “The players and staff at Somerset have really taken him under their wing. I know the club do a lot in the community, but they’ve been absolutely amazing.
"We’ve got messages coming through all the time and when we popped to the ground recently several players came straight over to him.
“To have Marchant and Sonny come to visit him at home was fantastic. They're both real characters and genuinely nice guys.
"Having them come around and spend a bit of time with him and encourage him was incredible and he had a great time. They enabled him to just be himself and made him feel like a real part of the team.
Jayden with Tom Banton.
“We can’t thank everyone enough for the love and support we've received over the last few weeks. It’s been genuinely moving to have received so much backing and encouragement.”
Somerset head coach, Jason Kerr said: “He is an incredible young man, and we have all been very impressed with his attitude to what is happening and his determination to make the best of the situation.
“He is a genuine inspiration, and we will continue to do whatever we can to support his family and make him feel a part of the team.”
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