A young man from Thurlestone who has defied the odds of an aggressive brain cancer for eight years is being supported by his former rugby teammates as he prepares to undergo treatment not available to him on the NHS.

Jack Howitt was just starting his studies at Cardiff University when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a form of brain cancer described in his fundraising appeal as having a 99 per cent mortality rate.

Since his diagnosis, Jack has undergone multiple brain surgeries, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Now, with further treatment due to begin in September, his friend Schalk Herselman has taken on an extraordinary endurance challenge to help raise money towards the cost.

Schalk, who first met Jack when he was 18 and playing at Salcombe Rugby Club, cycled for 36 hours around a five-kilometre off-road course at East Soar Farm, covering more than 500km.

Several members of the Salcombe Rugby team joined him along the way.

+ 3
(View All)

Salcombe Rugby Team members Schalk, Lee and Mark who pushed off the start line.

The challenge has so far helped raise more than £5,000, with donations continuing to come in.

Schalk, who has previously undertaken extreme challenges including cycling the equivalent height of Mount Everest on his bike, said this one felt different.

“I would be doing these challenges anyway, they are challenges for myself with a bit of fundraising on the side,” he said.

“But this one hit different as it was doing something with real meaning.”

Schalk remembers Jack as a talented rugby player with a passion for the game and a determination to make the most of life.

“I remember being on a bus to an away game somewhere and, I'm South African, he had so much knowledge of this South African player,” he said.

“His passion and love for rugby was like mine. He was so full of life and he wanted to go places.”

Despite the devastating diagnosis and subsequent surgeries, Jack refused to allow cancer to define him.

A keen cyclist, he continued training and later returned to coach at Salcombe Rugby Club.

“He never let it get him down, I have so much respect for it,” Schalk said.

“He has always been so positive and never felt sorry for himself. A lot of people would let it defeat them, but he's kept pushing.”

Jack is now seeking access to bevacizumab, a drug which can target a protein involved in the growth of blood vessels supplying tumours. The treatment is not currently available to him through the NHS for his cancer.

His family’s strength has also left a lasting impression on Schalk, who said he had a particular connection to them through Jack’s aunt, who worked at Kingsbridge Community College and supported his SEND children.

“It is brutal to see but the whole family have been so positive,” he said.

“If he can do that, riding a bike for a bit is nothing.”

With each treatment session expected to cost around £500, Schalk said the fundraising could give Jack more precious time.

“Jack is not going to be an old man, but this treatment could help extend his life and allow him to keep trying to live a normal life,” he said.

“He is a really amazing young man.”