Young carer from Leeds to go on the trip of a lifetime after mum wins competition at local gym
“He's always putting other people first, so being able to share something like this with him makes it even more special”
A Leeds teenager who helps care for his three disabled siblings, is set to go on a ‘once in a lifetime’ adventure after his mother won a luxury holiday at her local health club.
17-year-old Jacob Atkins is set to embark on an exclusive trip to Los Angeles alongside his mother, Heather, who won a national promotion at Bannatyne Health Club in Burley.
Jacob, from Cookridge, cares for his three siblings, including his twin brother, while balancing his A-level studies, and Heather is excited for him to get a chance to relax.
Heather said: "It still hasn't really sunk in. I couldn't believe it when they told me I'd won.
"[Jacob] deserves this more than anyone. He helps me so much at home and never complains.
“Between helping to look after his brothers and working incredibly hard at school, he's always putting other people first, so being able to share something like this with him makes it even more special.”
The prize includes return flights to Los Angeles, hotel accommodation, a $500 shopping spree and tickets to a professional basketball game for Heather and Jacob.
This will be the pair’s first-ever trip to the US, and while Heather is looking forward to exploring the shops, Jacob can't wait to experience his first live professional basketball game.
Bannatyne Health Group is founded by entrepreneur and former Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne OBE and has 67 health clubs, 44 spas, and three hotels across the UK.
Heather won the competition after referring her mum Melanie to Bannatyne Health Club Leeds during the group's nationwide ‘Refer A Friend’ campaign, which was run in partnership with the new animated film GOAT.
Duncan Bannatyne said: "Refer A Friend is about encouraging people to take that first step towards a healthier lifestyle, and it's wonderful to see members sharing that experience with family and friends.
"We're delighted Heather has won this fantastic Los Angeles adventure and hope it inspires even more people to enjoy getting active together."