A teenager has been warned that exercising could be deadly as he battles a condition that sees his ribcage growing inwards.
Jacob Brown, from Houghton-le-Spring, was an active teenager who dreamt of a career in the army, but his world turned upside-down when he was diagnosed with the condition, Pectus Excavatum, last year. The 14-year-old, who had originally been diagnosed with asthma, had been out on a run when he was left gasping for breath and experiencing unbearable chest pains.
Doctors found that Jacob's ribcage is growing inwards which has caused the sternum to sink into his chest, leaving just 3.5 inches between his sternum and spine. This is putting extreme levels of pressure on his internal organs, particularly his heart and lungs.
READ MORE: Newcastle United supporter to complete 24-hour walk around St James’ Park ahead of Chelsea match
Medics have told Jacob not to exercise as this could cause his heart to overwork and could potentially be deadly. The teenager has been left devastated by the news and has had to completely change his lifestyle.
However, there is a chance for Jacob to do the things he loves once again by undergoing surgery that would release the pressure on his organs. The procedure involves placing a series of metal bars in his ribs that would push the sternum outwards to improve the depth of his chest.
But this treatment will cost £10,000 as it is no longer available on the NHS in England. Jacob's family has now launched a Go Fund Me campaign in the hope of raising the vital funds that would transform his life.
Jacob's sister, Hollie Ferguson, an engineering student at East Durham College, said: “To see my brother in this condition is awful. When we were first told by the NHS that his surgery would cost £10,000, we just couldn’t believe it. But we’re determined to get Jacob the help he needs.”
The family, who has also received backing from Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson, is appealing to the public for donations.
Mum Rachel Ferguson said: “We know the cost-of-living crisis is hitting everyone hard right now. We are a family of myself, my husband and six children, and we just don’t have any alternative but to ask others for help.
"Even if people can give a small amount, it would mean the world to everyone in our family.”
To donate visit: https://gofund.me/59b61f9a
READ NEXT:
Hundreds of jobs at risk as DWP launches voluntary redundancy scheme - including in North East
Northumberland mum slams police for 'failing' to inform her that her son had been found dead
- Tapas Revolution to open Metrocentre restaurant - and this is how shoppers can try its food for free this weekend
- Young chef, 24, to transform Italian restaurant on Newcastle's Quayside as he reveals heartwarming new name
- Newcastle foodbank's 'sobering' reality as it hands out 2,000 food parcels in just one month to struggling Geordies
