OVER the weekend Pembrokeshire faced sad news as local Paralympics hero, Jacob Thomas, sadly passed away at the age of 25.
Jacob was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic condition which meant he would need support from a wheelchair within life. As he was growing up he was introduced to the sport Boccia and his sporting success began.
The talented sports star let nothing get in his way, becoming a huge name within Boccia. Jacob gained many medals in the sport before his retirement in 2016, including the gold medal at the World Student Games in Brazil, and bronze and silver at the World Championships in Beijing.
Through all his achievements the most highlighted was representing Great Britain in Boccia at the London 2012 Paralympics games. Jacob was only 17 years old when competing and was the youngest team member in the GB Boccia team. Within his time at the Paralympics he received recognition for years of hard work and dedication to the sport.
Scott McCowan, a fellow GB Boccia teammate and friend to Jacob, expressed his condolences on social media;
“I have so many great memories with him and his Dad whether it be the incredible experience of London 2012, winning our first British major medal in so many years in Portugal, or winning the pairs silver medal together at the World Championships and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share it with! Although he will obviously be remembered for his incredible sporting achievements, more than that he was a great friend and wonderful person and I will miss him a great deal. I will always have terrific memories of him and his loving family of Michael, Caroline, Polly and Wayne who my thoughts are with at such a difficult time. Stay strong guys.”
Pembrokeshire Herald would like to express their thoughts and condolences to Jacobs friends and family at this difficult time.
