Jack’s story is shared with love, pride and purpose.

It is shared not only to remember how brilliant he was, but to help educate others about the rare heart condition that ultimately took his life. Jack was deeply loved, full of character, fiercely intelligent, and known by so many for his passion, humour and unforgettable love of football.

Jack was born on 17th May 1994 at Sunderland Royal Hospital to his Mam, Jackie, and Dad, David. In true Jack fashion, he arrived late — something that would become quite fitting for his laid-back attitude to life. He was a healthy baby, weighing 8 pounds 9 ounces, and when he was examined by his three-year-old big sister Aimee with her doctor’s kit, he was officially determined to be perfect.

As a toddler, Jack was happy, curious and full of life. He was obsessed with cars, Postman Pat, and playing outside in the garden. Other than eczema and mild asthma, he had no childhood illnesses and was known for having a very healthy appetite. His Mam often remembers how, at just 18 months old, Jack would regularly eat multiple Weetabix for breakfast — with his personal record being three in one sitting.

At school, Jack was exceptionally bright, even if he was sometimes a little casual when it came to homework. He was academically competitive, naturally clever, and always had a strong sense of what he was interested in. He played football for the Newbottle Bees, became an avid Sunderland AFC supporter, and found joy in memorising the national anthems of different countries so he could sing along before televised games.

Football became a huge part of Jack’s life from around the age of six. He watched matches regularly with his Grandad Jack and quickly became known for being able to “talk a good game” with adults he met in everyday life. By secondary school, he had become something of an unofficial football pundit, with friends and family often turning to him for his views on the latest signings, team news and football gossip.

It came as no surprise that, after leaving sixth form, Jack went on to study Sports Journalism at Sunderland University. He graduated with a BA Honours degree in July 2015, ready to begin the next chapter of his life.

A couple of months later, Jack started work at Northern Powergrid. But sadly, he was only in work for a short time before his life changed suddenly and without warning.

On 21st October 2015, despite having no symptoms in the period leading up to it, Jack complained of sudden and extreme chest pain before collapsing at home. Paramedics took him to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where he was resuscitated. It was discovered that Jack had suffered an aortic dissection — a rare and life-threatening condition involving the main artery from the heart.

Jack was transferred to Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, where he underwent extensive open-heart surgery to save his life. Professor John Dark and his cardiothoracic team carried out a 16-hour operation, fitting Jack with an artificial ascending aorta and aortic root.

Incredibly, Jack recovered well. He spent only two weeks in intensive care at the Freeman Hospital and was back home within a few weeks. However, before Christmas 2015, he was readmitted after becoming breathless. Doctors discovered he had pneumonia, a common complication following major open-heart surgery.

Jack spent further weeks in intensive care, undergoing surgery to fit stents in his blood vessels and procedures to drain fluid from his lungs. During this incredibly difficult period, he suffered a number of serious complications, including Deep Vein Thrombosis and kidney failure.

Professor Dark and his team later determined that Jack had particularly flexible connective tissue in the blood vessels around his heart. As a result, he would need further surgery in April 2016 to replace his descending aorta. Jack underwent the surgery and, once again, recovered well. He attended physiotherapy to support both his cardiac recovery and his overall fitness.

At this stage, Jack and his family underwent genetic testing. It was found that Jack had two abnormal genes, TGFBR1 and FBN2, but it could not be confirmed whether these had played a role in his unusual condition. Common connective tissue disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome, were ruled out.

Jack’s sister, Aimee, also began regular cardiology check-ups to ensure she did not develop the condition. As of 2024, she remains in perfect health.

In 2017, Jack underwent his final cardiothoracic surgery, a procedure to fit a false aortic valve to prevent regurgitation. Once again, he showed remarkable strength and resilience, returning to work within a few weeks.

From then until April 2024, Jack lived a full and normal life. He travelled across Europe watching football with his friends, progressed in his career, received promotions at work, and became a regular fixture on the SAFC Fan TV podcast. His love for Sunderland AFC remained a huge part of who he was, and he became a familiar and respected voice among fellow supporters.

Jack also lived a healthy lifestyle. He exercised regularly, took care with his diet and closely monitored his alcohol intake. He never took illegal drugs and even had to be convinced to take an antihistamine during hay fever season. He was careful, sensible and conscious of his health.

In early April 2024, Jack began to notice that he was less capable than usual when using the treadmill and weights at the gym. Within a couple of weeks, he had started to experience breathlessness again. His annual appointment with his specialist was brought forward to 30th April.

Tragically, in the early hours of 28th April 2024, Jack became seriously ill at home. Despite the best efforts of many paramedics, he passed away quickly following a cardiac arrest, in the presence of his Mam and Dad.

Although the official cause of Jack’s death is not known, as his family did not wish for a post-mortem examination to be carried out, his specialist confirmed that Jack lost his life due to complications connected to his ongoing heart condition.

Jack was just 29 years old.

His funeral was held on 17th May 2024 — the day that would have been his 30th birthday.

Jack’s story is heartbreaking, but it is also important. His family share it in the hope that it may help others. Anyone who feels unwell, particularly if they experience chest pain, a racing heart or breathlessness, should seek urgent medical attention. This is true even if they have never been diagnosed with heart or lung problems before, and even if they believe they are too young to suffer cardiac complications.

If it could happen to Jack, it can happen to anyone.

Cardiac Risk in the Young offer free heart screenings for people aged between 14 and 35. Jack’s family encourage anyone eligible to enquire, get checked, and never ignore symptoms that do not feel right.