Jack Johnson on the ball at the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Final
Jack Johnson, the boy who inspired Andy and Alex Johnson to start Duchenne UK’s partner charity Joining Jack – will present the match ball at the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Final on Friday night in Manchester.
The match between England and France will be televised live on the BBC, promising an audience of millions.
When Jack was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, his parents Andy and Alex formed Joining Jack to raise money to try and find a cure. Alex then founded Duchenne UK with Emily Reuben with the vision to end Duchenne.
Rugby runs in the Johnson family. Andy was a professional rugby league player, and Jack coaches his school team – as well as playing Powerchair Football.
Jack’s mum Alex said:
“The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup has been a huge success and for Jack to be a part of it on national television is an amazing honour. We are also thrilled our younger son James will be a ball boy. Neither of them can wait for the match having attended the Wheelchair Rugby League Grand Final last year.”
Jack said:
“It’s so fast and dead aggressive and I love the big hits!”