We’ve teamed up with the lads behind Pitch Up Events to bring you the Pitch Up Podcast – A podcast sharing the extraordinary stories of extraordinary people in Cumbria, the perfect listen for your morning commute or down time.
Do you know an extraordinary person whose story just has to be shared? Let us know at [email protected] for a chance to see them featured on the podcast.
This week on the Pitch Up Pod’, James Bonner and James Howden explore co-host Joe Jackson’s inspirational life and talk about holding onto motivation in the face of dark times.
From achieving his dreams of playing professional football and becoming an investment banker living in London, to facing family tragedy and a three year long battle with cancer – you might need a box of tissues handy for this one.
At just 14 years old in the midst of training in the football system, Barrow-born Joe lost his 12 year old sister Elisha to a brain haemorrhage.
It was the start of a bigger journey and Joe said that the pain of losing her became a catalyst pushing him to make something of his life and reach his dreams in her memory.
“Seeing my parents faces and the pain in their eyes was a moment that I will never forget for the rest of my life.”
Football became his sole focus as a teen which led to him fighting for a contract while studying for two A-Levels – something young pro players are not advised to do due to the work load.
At 18, he signed with Burnley, which saw him play with the likes of Danny Ings, Charlie Austin, Jay Rodriguez and Kieran Trippier while being managed by Eddie Howe.
Facing injuries, various highs and lows and being temporarily loaned to Barrow AFC, he achieved his dream of making his league debut by replacing Charlie Austin in a 4-0 loss at Blackpool.
The following season saw Joe go on a longer term loan, but a lack of game time led to a slip in his confidence and under new management he was released from Burnley.
After settling with Workington AFC he started working on another A-Level in college to pursue investment banking and was hopeful he would also be able to work his way back up the leagues.
He was named top goal scorer and player of the year and was on the verge of returning to sign full time with Barrow AFC when things took a turn.
The day before his exam results, which was also the same day he would be signing for Barrow, Joe got a call from a doctor after he got a blood test while feeling slightly feeling run down.
Joe goes on to tell listeners about how he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and shares his heart breaking experiences in hospital during the three years of treatment he faced.
He was also found to have eight blood clots on his brain – which Joe said made him feel like he was going insane.
“I looked both my parents in the eyes and said I will fight this, I will beat this.”
After more treatment and more psychological challenges towards the end of the second phase of his treatment plan – he was finally told he was going into remission and from there, Joe decided he needed a new challenge.
Still receiving treatments including chemotherapy via spinal injections, Joe tackled university and pushed to attend every lecture he could despite the side effects of his treatment.
His hard work paid off and cancer free, he went on to complete a further masters degree and achieved his second dream of successfully bagging a job at a top investment banking firm in London, where over 10,000 people can apply for one role.
Towards the end of the podcast, the trio reflect on Joe’s discipline and ability to stay positive and motivated through his lowest points, his role within Pitch Up Events and what the future holds for the team.
Joe also shares advice and words of wisdom with listeners which he has picked up throughout his incredible life.
James shares some exciting news too – but you’ll have to watch the podcast to find out more!
