Meet the nine year old from Peterlee who has raised thousands to help others with a stoma

Emily Reader went along to meet Jack and hear about his big plans for the future.

Few nine year olds are as busy or as determined as Jack Dale from Peterlee.

As well as enjoying school and football, Jack has also raised thousands of pounds to help others living with a stoma.

He was fitted with a stoma - an opening in the abdomen to divert bodily waste - in 2022 but has not let it hold him back, raising money repeatedly for charity Colostomy UK over the past two years.

This year alone, he completed a 50-mile triathlon in the month of March and did a half marathon from Shotton Colliery to his beloved Stadium of Light in October.

Jack has so far raised more than £6,000, as well as significant awareness. He describes his stoma as his "superpower."

The youngster from Peterlee explained: "I want to help Colostomy UK get noticed more."

Although he admits he has "some tough challenges" to overcome, Jack will not let that stop him, adding he will "find a way to conquer them."

Telling ITV News Tyne Tees his message to others with a stoma, he said: "Even if you have something wrong with you, don't be afraid because it's just a hidden superpower."

With no plans to put his feet up any time soon, Jack is setting his sights high for the new year. He wants to climb a mountain in 2025.

His family are immensely proud of the work he is doing to help others.

His brother, who attends the same school, said: "We had to draw an inspirational person in art and I chose my brother [Jack]."

He added: "It makes me really proud to see that my little brother is achieving a lot of things."

Reflecting on Jack's achievements, his mother Zoe said: "Each day Jack just gets up and gets on with his own life. Nothing stops Jack from doing anything.

"Jack does have challenges but nothing stops him."

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