Jack Howitt’s Life with Brain Tumours: Resilience and Paralympic Ambition

Jack Howitt, 25, has experienced four brain tumours and has recently been informed of the potential presence of an additional one. Despite the unexpected and life-altering diagnosis, his narrative highlights resilience and a strong resolve to become a Paralympic athlete. At the age of 20, Jack, a resident of Thurleston in Devon, was a healthy individual with a profound passion for rugby, participating in the Exeter Chiefs’ academy for emerging players. His life significantly changed following a brain cancer diagnosis, which occurred after he experienced a seizure during a holiday. Ultimately, he was found to have four brain tumours, with a fifth suspected after a recent MRI scan. “When I first found out, it was pretty brutal,” Jack recalls. “The first thing I thought about was how to comfort my mum, who was sitting right next to me.” “It was difficult to process for someone who was previously healthy.” Despite the diagnosis, Jack’s resolve persisted. He underwent a biopsy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and has since adapted to living with the ongoing unpredictability inherent to brain cancer. He explains that the disease is never genuinely in remission but is instead considered “stable,” indicating it is not progressing. A significant coping mechanism for Jack has developed into his dedication to training and triathlon. “Triathlon is a sport where the more you put in, the more you get out of it,” he explains. “You might be a really rubbish swimmer, but after eight weeks of swimming, you’re not so rubbish. It’s all about hard graft.” Jack’s involvement in triathlon commenced with a straightforward yet impactful choice. While exploring a sports website, he pondered which sport would most irritate his mother. He ultimately chose triathlon, even though his epilepsy presents particular difficulties for swimming. “Epilepsy and water don’t mix,” he notes with a wry smile. Nevertheless, Jack was resolute, discovering that the physical challenge also served as a mental and emotional support. “It was getting me through the days in the beginning, and then as I got on, I started to enjoy it,” he says. The tumours have caused physical impairment on the right side of his body. “Down the right hand side my agility, speed, strength, awareness of space has all gone out the window,” he says. “I walk into door frames quite a lot, I can’t lift as much.” Jack’s trainer, Will Wood, maintains a profound bond with him. “The first thing I noticed straight away was his strength of character,” he said. “His story took me back massively. I had lost my father and father-in-law to brain cancer, so as soon as I met Jack, it was just an instant bond.” Will was also impressed by Jack’s positive outlook and empathy. “He cares about others, not just himself, and has a willingness to succeed in any fitness domain. “Even with his right-side dysfunction, he was confident and capable. It was remarkable to see this young man with so much potential.” Jack acknowledges that becoming a Paralympian is a significant challenge, yet he approaches it with a pragmatic perspective. “If you take it one day at a time and get 1% better every day, it starts to look more achievable,” he said. “And if I don’t do those things, I won’t be the person I can be.” Jack is contemplating the prospect of not having children. “To be honest I also don’t see myself living long enough to have children,” he said. “It’s upsetting.” Life presents both horrific and brutal aspects, alongside wonderful and beautiful ones. “If you don’t appreciate the wonderful and beautiful, all you’ll see is the brutal side of life.” For updates, follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.