Joe Wicks tears up as boy with cancer learns to walk again by doing his daily PE lessons
JOE Wicks was left wiping away a tear after receiving an emotional and inspiring message about a poorly 10-year-old boy. Joe, 33, was contacted by the lad’s family as a way of thanking him for live streaming daily PE classes since the UK has been in lockdown. The Body Coach sat on the floor at […]
JOE Wicks was left wiping away a tear after receiving an emotional and inspiring message about a poorly 10-year-old boy.
Joe, 33, was contacted by the lad’s family as a way of thanking him for live streaming daily PE classes since the UK has been in lockdown.
The Body Coach sat on the floor at the end of one of his sessions to read the message, which he described as “truly magnificent and beautiful”.
Joe explained to his millions of YouTube followers that it was about a little boy called Reuben, who has been receiving gruelling treatment for brain cancer.
Having been contacted on social media, the dad-of-two said: “Reuben is 10 years old. He was diagnosed a year ago with brain cancer.
“He has endured two brain surgeries, radiotherapy and the most horrific three rounds of chemotherapy.
“He finished the treatment in February. It’s been tough, he lost the use of his legs, has been very weak and mostly wheelchair bound.
“But after five weeks of treatment ending, Reuben has done PE With Joe every single day.
The message went on to say that Reuben has managed to do each and every move Joe has been teaching, even if he’s had to adapt them slightly, and can now run down the stairs in his house.
Reuben’s family continued: “Joe, 3 weeks ago Rueben couldn’t even walk up the stairs unaided.
“He now can run down the stairs and has much more movement going up the stairs. That’s huge for a 10-year-old who could barley walk at times.”
With his voice cracking with emotion, and wiping his eye, Joe carried on reading: “So, Joe, thank you.
“Not just for supporting everyone all over the world and doing PE everyday, thank you for helping Rueben to be able to do these everyday things that any child should be able to do.
“You’re touching people’s lives in such a positive way and, for our family, you’ve brought us so much joy.”
Joe then read a direct plea to all of his followers, which told everyone to “keep smiling” and to “take a positive from a negative”.
The message to Joe finished: “This is one of those moments to acknowledge someone who’s touching lives that we don’t even know.
“Well done we applaud you.”
Clearly moved, Joe went on to urge his fans to visit Reuben’s ‘Rooting For Reuben’ Facebook page.
Tragically, on Reuben’s page, it states that his mother passed away three years ago from cancer aged just 33.
Addressing the youngster personally, Joe said: “Reuben, if you’re watching – I hope you are – I’m so proud of you.
“I’m inspired, I’m moved and just overwhelmed by how amazing that message is.
“I woke up and read it and was like, ‘That is the most incredible, beautiful, up-lifting message I’ve ever received’.
“I’m so happy that you’re dad or whoever has written that has reached out and sent it.”
Reuben has since been inundated with support on Facebook and received many donations to his GoFundMe page.
The kind-hearted boy is raising money for the charity Candlelighters, which supports children and their family with cancer – including his own family.
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Reuben himself has now recorded a little video to thank Joe and his fans.
He said: “I just wanted to thank you for all the new followers that I’ve got and all the new donations that I’ve got from you guys.
“AND all of the nice messages that have cheered me up today. And I wanted to say a big thanks to Joe Wicks, as well, for spreading the word.”