Selfless Leeds teenager who helps care for disabled siblings set for dream LA trip with mum
A Leeds neonatal nurse is taking her selfless teenage son on a dream trip to Los Angeles as a thank you for the support he gives to his family.
Heather Atkins, from Cookridge, will travel to California with her 17-year-old son Jacob after winning a once-in-a-lifetime holiday through a competition at Bannatyne Health Club in Cardigan Fields.
Jacob helps his mum care for his three disabled siblings, including his twin brother, while also working hard towards his A-levels.
Heather, who works at the Special Care Baby Unit at Harrogate Hospital, said the unexpected win has given her the perfect opportunity to treat her son and spend some quality time together.
"He deserves this more than anyone," she said. "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 pair have never visited America before and will receive return flights to Los Angeles, hotel accommodation, a $500 shopping spree and tickets to see a professional basketball game.
Heather is particularly looking forward to hitting the shops, while sports fan Jacob can't wait to experience his first live professional basketball game.
"I've never been to America before, so it's going to be an amazing experience," Heather said. "It still hasn't really sunk in. I couldn't believe it when they told me I'd won."
In an unusual twist, it was Heather's mum, Melanie George, who helped make the mother-and-son trip possible.
Heather entered the nationwide Bannatyne Refer A Friend competition after recommending Melanie join her at the Leeds health club, where Heather has been a member for around seven months.
The competition was run in partnership with new animated movie GOAT, which stars Stranger Things actor Caleb McLaughlin.
Heather had previously been a member of another gym before moving to Bannatyne in search of a wider range of facilities, including a swimming pool, spa and fitness classes.
It has since become something of a family affair, with Heather recommending the club to her mum, stepmum, brother and sister-in-law.
"I joined Bannatyne because I wanted somewhere with great facilities where I could exercise but also relax," she said.
"I love the classes, especially circuits and kettlebells, and after seeing how much I enjoyed it, lots of my family ended up joining too."
For Heather and Jacob, however, the unexpected prize means considerably more than simply a holiday.
With Heather caring for vulnerable babies through her work and Jacob providing invaluable support to his family at home, the trip will give mother and son the chance to enjoy a very special adventure together.