Joe Wicks 'moved' as PE lessons help boy with cancer who could 'barely walk'
Joe Wicks was choked after hearing about a boy with cancer who has gone from being barely able to walk at times to running down the stairs thanks to his PE sessions.
The fitness guru – aka the Body Coach - has been holding weekday fitness sessions for children who are off school as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and the programme has become hugely popular.
During a session this week he read out a message about a 10-year-old name Rueben who has been joining in for the workouts.
Read more: Coleen Rooney’s children do Joe Wicks’ workout
It said: “Rueben is 10 years old he was diagnosed a year ago with brain cancer.
"He has endured two brain surgeries, radio therapy and the most horrific three rounds of chemotherapy.”
Appearing to wipe his eyes at points, Wicks went on: "He finished treatment in February… it’s been tough.
“He lost the use of his legs, he was very weak, mostly wheelchair bound, but after only five weeks of treatment ending Rueben has done PE with Joe every single day!!!
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"All 20 moves - even if he’s had to change a few moves. Joe, three weeks ago Rueben couldn’t even walk up the stairs unaided. He NOW can run down the stairs, and has much more movement going u (sic) the stairs.
"That’s HUGE for a ten year old who could barely walk at times.
“So JOE, THANK YOU, not just for supporting everyone all over the world for doing PE everyday, THANK YOU for helping Rueben to be able to do these everyday things that ANY child should be able to do.”
Wicks said he was “moved” by Rueben’s story, calling him an “inspiration”.
He also sent a message to the boy, saying that he would be rooting for him.
Wicks started the 30-minute sessions on his YouTube channel in March after declaring that he wanted to be “the nation’s PE teacher”, and kids and adults across the country have been joining in. Some fans from abroad have even been tuning in for the workouts.
Read more: Joe Wicks criticised for holding baby daughter in one hand
The fitness star recently told The Guardian he was “over the moon” about how the sessions had taken off.
