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The Howard School in Rainham pays tribute to ‘popular’ Chatham schoolboy Jack Dolan left brain damaged after Margate pier jump

05:00, 18 July 2024

updated: 12:36, 18 July 2024

A school says “life will never be the same” after a “very popular” student was left brain-damaged after jumping from a pier.

Jack Dolan suffered serious head injuries after performing a flip off Stone Pier in Margate last month.

The Howard School pupil was left brain dead after jumping off Stone Pier in Margate last month
The Howard School pupil was left brain dead after jumping off Stone Pier in Margate last month

The 15-year-old, from Chatham, was flown to a London hospital, where a scan revealed no brain activity – with the youngster tragically put on end-of-life care after having his life support taken away.

Jack was a pupil at The Howard School in Rainham which has been asking students, parents and staff to come together to support his family.

In an emotional post linking to a fundraiser to help with the teen’s needs the school said it would “never be the same”.

The teenager was moved to a hospice this week after successfully battling a chest infection over the weekend.

Head of School Jasbinder Johal said: “Jack is a very popular student with a larger than life personality and we were shocked and saddened when we heard the news about the tragic incident that happened.

Jack Dolan in hospital with stepdad David Dolan by his bedside. Picture: David Dolan
Jack Dolan in hospital with stepdad David Dolan by his bedside. Picture: David Dolan

“Members from The Howard School Pastoral team have maintained close contact with Jack's family since the tragic incident took place.

“The tragic events have touched members from all parts of The Howard School community and it has been our aim and will be going forward to ensure that we provide as much support as possible to Jack’s family and friends.

“The Howard School staff and Jack's friends from the school will be collecting donations from students on Friday, July 19, during our non- school uniform day and we will plan further fundraising events in the next academic year.”

A fundraiser was set up for the Dolans to raise funds which will now help cover the costs of Jack's palliative care and funeral – with a fundraising target of £40,000.

Jack’s family previously told of the heartbreak of watching him "fade away” as wellwishers have now donated more than £25,000 to support them.

Head of school Jasbinder Johal described Jack as a popular boy. Picture: Howard School
Head of school Jasbinder Johal described Jack as a popular boy. Picture: Howard School

In the most recent update, Jack’s stepfather, David Dolan, who has raised him from a young age, said: “Jack has managed to breathe on his own; this doesn’t change his palliative care plan, [it] just lengthens it. His time is extremely limited due to the rest of his issues.

“This makes it all the more painful. He will deteriorate over the coming weeks/months but there is nothing that can be done for him

“He has mild heart issues, seizures, dystonia and pain meds - he cannot swallow or cough, he is brain-dead with a heartbeat.

“My heart is breaking watching my lively, fun-loving boy slowly and painfully fade away, I want to save him, I’ve always saved him, but this is beyond even me.

Jack Dolan suffered permanent brain damage after jumping from Margate pier. Picture: David Dolan
Jack Dolan suffered permanent brain damage after jumping from Margate pier. Picture: David Dolan

“He's in a grey area with no time limit on how long it will take so children’s hospice won’t take him. Hospitals are short term so the palliative care gave us two options; take him home or foster him – that isn’t even up for debate.

“I am pushing every way I can to get a home suitable for his needs. Fundraising is to make any adjustments and additions to get him home, so his sisters can read to him [and] we can show him the love and care he deserves.

“He was one in a million and he’s doing it even at the end.”

Dave and Lisa Dolan, from Chatham, have decided to move their son into a hospice for end-of-life care
Dave and Lisa Dolan, from Chatham, have decided to move their son into a hospice for end-of-life care

More than 900 supporters have already contributed to the appeal. Click here to add to the fundraiser.

Jack’s mum Lisa, an NHS worker, will be giving up her job to care for him full-time but doctors cannot say how long he will live.

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