SALTFORD Football Club member Jack Warren has been presented with the prestigious Jack Boulton Award.
The ceremony took place at the club in the presence of Jack Boulton’s parents, June and Dave, along with the recipient’s close family and a large group of club members.
After Jack Boulton died in August 2009, the Keynsham and Saltford Sports Network decided to make an award each year to a young sportsman or woman in the community who displayed many of Jack’s exceptional sporting and personal qualities.
This year’s recipient, Jack Warren, has been recognised as an outstanding club member and has undergone significant health challenges over the past year.
It was this time last year that Jack was diagnosed with a rare infection in his heart, which caused a blood infection.
Jack underwent five hours of open-heart surgery in mid-September and just as he was due to leave hospital, he needed a second operation to remove fluid on his heart.
Jack’s recovery enabled him to return to training in November, and he began playing matches in January.
Paul Hodkinson, Jack’s coach, said: “He’s a lad that absolutely loves football and it’s a real pleasure seeing him out there playing again, given all that he and his family have been through. He’s a pleasure to coach, always turning up with the right attitude to listen and learn.”
June and Dave Boulton have dedicated themselves to raising money for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) over the 14 years since their son Jack passed away.
Many young people have benefited from the cardiac screening programme funded by CRY, which helps protect them against undiagnosed heart conditions.
Another screening programme was due to take place at Wellsway School this month.
Pictured, Jack Warren with, from left, his dad, his coach Paul Hodkinson, his mum, and Dave Boulton
Young Saltford footballer battles back to scoop award
