'Once you met Jack you couldn't forget him' - Tributes paid to Cumbrian teen
TRIBUTES have been paid to a West Cumbrian teen who shone a light into the lives of everyone he met.
Jack Ellis, 17, faced a lifetime of challenges, starting at three weeks old when he overcame meningitis for the first time.
Later he learned to walk again and to write left-handed after losing his mobility and the dexterity in his right hand.
But a medical episode last month proved too much and Jack died peacefully on May 22 after a stroke.
Jack Ellis 'shone a light into the lives of everyone he met' (Image: Submitted)
Jack grew up in Workington with foster carers Gavin and Susan Beach and their daughter Laura, who he called his mum, dad and sister.
Over the years he had many hospital stays due to illnesses and surgery, living with physical and learning disabilities.
He fought back at every turn, surprising those around him with his learning ability and impressive memory.
Jack never forgot a name or face and if he spotted someone he knew while out and about he could be sure to greet them loudly, using their full name, then chat for as long as he could before they had to leave.
A fan of games shows and music, Jack loved to perform to an audience.
Gavin said: 'Jack shone a light into the lives of everyone he met.
'He had an insatiable thirst for meeting people and finding out about them, and for telling jokes.
'Once you met Jack you couldn't forget him.'
Susan added: 'They broke the mould when they made Jack.'
Jack Ellis, 17, faced a lifetime of challenges but fought back at every turn (Image: Submitted)
Birth dad Martin Goth recalled how Jack would sing songs during video calls and play along on the guitar he received at Christmas.
He added: 'A call with Jack would just lift me up and make me smile.'
Jack attended Victoria Infant and Junior schools before moving to Mayfield School in Whitehaven, and enjoyed outreach activities and short breaks with West House.
In summer 2023 he moved to Underley Garden School in Kirkby Lonsdale to develop his independence skills as he moved towards adulthood.
Stephen Chambers, who worked with Jack in his role as assistant head at Mayfield School, recalled the youngster being 'full of energy and relentless spirit'.
He said: 'He enriched my life in the time I knew him and I know many others will say the same.
'In the short time he was here, Jack showered the world with joy, laughter and love and will never be forgotten.'
Among those who spent time with Jack in hospital were his birth mum Stacey Ellis and sister Jodie, who expressed their love for him.
Jack's funeral will be held at Distington crematorium on Thursday, June 12 at 1.15pm.
Donations can be made via Hobans Funeral Services to hydrocephalus charity Shine and the Great North Air Ambulance.
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