Our world was turned upside down in June 2024 when my nephew, Jack Dolan, drowned in Margate. He was under water for 8–10 minutes, received 28 minutes of CPR, and even needed resuscitation again during the air ambulance transfer.

When he arrived at King’s, doctors told his mum they believed he would be brain dead due to the time without oxygen and the scans they’d seen. The MRI showed complete brain damage, with only his brain stem spared. Jack was predicted to remain in a vegetative state with locked-in syndrome.

But Jack has been proving everyone wrong.

He’s had hyperbaric oxygen therapy

He spent 17 weeks at The Children’s Trust in rehab

He’s now back at school

He’s had private physio, OT, massage, and osteopathy treatments

Jack has defied every prognosis so far — because his mum has followed her instincts every step of the way. And now, her gut tells her that the next opportunity is the one that could bring even more of Jack back.

This is a chance for Jack to work with a neuroscientist whose programme could make a significant difference to his recovery. We desperately need your help to raise the funds to make this possible.

As Jack’s aunty, and on behalf of his mum, I’m asking for your support. Please donate if you can, share this page, and help us give Jack the best chance of regaining as much of a normal life as possible.

Every little bit means the world. Thank you