Teenager Zak Simpson, who lost his battle against a medical condition so rare it baffled doctors worldwide, is to be remembered as part of Bradford’s eighth annual Christmas Star Appeal.

His mum Simone Lawless has been honouring her son’s bravery since the appeal first began to raise funds for charity, but this year, since Zak died aged 15, it will be even more poignant.

Zak, of Laisterdyke, who beat the odds to learn to walk and talk and was a pupil at Bolling Special School, died ten weeks ago at Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Miss Lawless said: “It’s only been weeks since he went, but it seems like a lifetime. Zak has always been our star, but this year he will be shining even more brightly.”

His chronic lung condition and inability to swallow meant Zak had to be fed through tubes into his stomach.

Despite severe learning difficulties, Zak continued to fight his condition into his teenage years, but developed another illness which began to shut down his organs, which finally took his life.

On Friday, November 18, Zak’s family are starting a fundraising mission for Martin House Hospice, starting with a fun day at the Travellers Rest pub in Cutler Heights, and then a fancy dress pub crawl in Leeds on Saturday, November 19.

“Martin House is an amazing place with amazing staff, who did everything they could for Zak and us. We’re doing all this to say thank you, though we will never be able to thank them enough.”

Any businesses who can help Miss Lawless with her fundraising can contact her on 07749 128198.

This year’s Christmas Star Appeal is being held by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Naveeda Ikram, to raise money for her chosen charity Marie Curie Cancer Care.

  • For more on this story and the Christmas Star Appeal, see Tuesday's T&A.