Courageous Jacob vaults to success (From Echo)

Courageous Jacob vaults to success

11:52am Thursday 22nd November 2007 in Search By Adam Gaudry

AN eight-year-old South Wood-ham Boy is vaulting to success in the world of gymnastics - despite suffering from the blood condition haemophilia.

Now Jacob Shea, a member of the Basildon based South Essex Gym Club, has received a top national award for his sporting efforts.

Jacob, of Gladden Fields, won the junior category of the Haemophilia Society Sports Award for his impressive gymnastics.

He picked up his award from Premiership Football Club Chelsea's Stamford Bridge home.

He stayed at the club's hotel and was given a private tour of the stadium.

When he was diagnosed with the blood condition at seven-months-old, Jacob's family were told he could not take part in contact sports like football.

But it did not stop the youngster from getting involved in gym when he was just three-years-old.

He now dedicates at least 13 hours a week to the sport, after school and on weekends.

Mum Marion said she was very proud of Jacob and pleased he had found something to put his efforts towards.

She said: "He was over the moon when he heard he'd won. There's a lot of entries so we couldn't be sure.

"It gives him a sense of achievement. He's always pleased when he masters a new move."

Jacob said: "I don't know where I get the energy from, but when you do more and more training you get more energy. It's really fun and I like it very much."

At the South Essex gym, in Cranes Farm Road, Jacob practices on the high bar, parallel bars, the pommel, floor, vault and rings, having to receive medication before he can start his sport safely.

But Marion said that taking part in the sport was important for his health.

She added: "It's very positive for his condition because the stronger and more flexible any muscles are helps to deter bleeds.

"His achievement has encouraged his four-year-old brother Joshua, who also has the blood condition, to take part in gymnastics."

Jacob's long-term aims include becoming a professional gymnast and coach, with the eventual ambition of taking part in the World Championships and Olympic Games.