'A True Inspiration'

by Justin Cohen - Thursday 13th November 2008


A cancer victim who raised £150,000 for charity and developed an online forum for other young people diagnosed with the illness was yesterday remembered as "inspirational" and "courageous" after he passed away aged just 34.

To read the tributes to Jason and to pay your own, click here

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Jason Boas lost his 13-month battle with pancreatic cancer at the
North London Hospice in the early hours of Wednesday morning, prompting a
flood of tributes from friends and family, as well as some of the many
others whose lives he touched.

Months after being given just a year to live and while continuing to undergo chemotherapy treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Jason established No Surrender which has to date raised £150,000 through a series of fundraising events.

"He's inspired me all my life and particularly in the last year," his brother Andrew told the Jewish News yesterday. Adding that Jason - a member of Cockfosters and New Southgate Synagogue - would be remembered for his "spirit, inspiration, love and courage", he said: "We're going to continue the No Surrender Charitable Trust."

But the charity is not the only way in which Jason helped others and through
which he will continue to do so in the future. After creating a video blog
in order to update those closest to him on his progress, the site has since
evolved into a social networking group enabling young adults living with
cancer to make contact with, and offer support to, each other. "I know the
road is long, and I know for a long time its a dark journey but together we
can get to the end, and enjoy the light," Jason wrote on the site. "Together
we win, Together there will be No Surrender!"

As they prepared for his brother's funeral today at Waltham Abbey cemetery,
Andrew recalled how his spirit of determination remained. "Jason had hope
until the very, very end, until the week before when we were told there was
nothing more could do he continued to fight and he continued to hope.
"That is something that will always be with us. He's such a massive
inspiration."

Tributes also poured in through a special page created on Jewish News'
sister website, www.totallyjewish.com. "His courage has touched and moved
people who never knew him," said one. "For those of us who were lucky enough
to have been his friend, Jason will always stay with us.

Another said: "People have told me Jason Boas is the most courageous person
they have ever met. You are more than this, you are a legend! Your charm and
sheer chutzpah is unmatched. Your weekly blog was creative, sensitive
emotional and inspirational."

Jewish News and Media Group Chief Executive Dan Assor, who knew Jason since
they met at school aged 13, said: "Jason was a true inspiration and a loyal
friend.

"The courage he displayed over the last year was immense and the only
comfort we can take at this time is that he is now free from pain and at
peace. He is gone but will never be forgotten."

To read the tributes to Jason and to pay your own, click here


Read the latest copy of The Jewish News Online by clicking here.

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