A family in Barnsley has raised over £2,000 through their bake sales for Young Lives vs Cancer, the leading UK charity for children and young people with cancer and their families.
Family's Fundraising Journey
The Otlewski family were inspired to fundraise for the charity after being supported by Young Lives vs Cancer when their son, Jakub, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 13 in March 2025. Because of the support, they signed up to take part in Young Lives vs Cancer's virtual challenges such as Run 50 Miles in June and the charity's 100 Miles in March challenge. Whilst out completing their challenges, Jakub's mum, Jolanta, would pass her local SPAR in Darton where staff would cheer her on.
When the staff at SPAR found out about Jakub's diagnosis, they teamed up with the Otlewski family to host various bake sales in their store to support the cause further.
Words from the Family
Jolanta Oltewska said: "Jakub approached me one day and said that he thought it would be a great idea for us to fundraise for Young Lives vs Cancer to give back for the support that we received. As soon as he mentioned this, I thought it was such a brilliant idea.
"Young Lives vs Cancer did so much for Jakub and our whole family. It was them that gave us financial support and they were always available for a chat. They offer so much to families like ours. This is the reason why I raised funds for this amazing charity to spread a message of hope to many families: You are not alone. You can count on support."
Charity Impact
From the moment of diagnosis, Young Lives vs Cancer's specialist social workers provide day-to-day support for each child, young person and family. The charity provides accommodation close to hospitals where families can stay together during treatment for free, and grants to help families navigate the costs of cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer relies on charitable donations to fund their vital work supporting children and young people facing cancer and their families across the UK.
Last year in Yorkshire and the Humber, Young Lives vs Cancer helped over 540 children and young people with cancer and their families get the support they needed. On average, families of a child with cancer pay out £700 extra a month on extra costs such as travel to and from hospital, food and clothing. To help families cope with the costs of cancer, the charity gave out 251 financial grants to the value of £42,491 to young people and families across the region.
Charity's Gratitude
Krissa Ford, Young Lives vs Cancer fundraising engagement manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it's falling apart. The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical, and it's felt by the entire family.
"From the moment of diagnosis, Young Lives vs Cancer's specialist social workers provide day-to-day support for each child, young person and family. We rely on donations to fund our vital work and so we can't thank Jakub, Jolanta, Adrian and all the family enough for their fantastic efforts and for the whole community who got behind them to show their support.
"Their support means Young Lives vs Cancer will be able to help even more young people with cancer to get the right support when they need it most."
To support Jakub's fundraising effort, go to: https://funds2.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/jakubotlewski/
Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire
