Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu has surprised a fan who suffered from a rare disease as a child as part of a new series of Car S.O.S.
The Car S.O.S team work to restore people's cherished cars. In a new episode, presenters Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend were joined by Jake Charlesworth, 21, and his father, 47-year-old Marc. Jake was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease when he was just ten-years-old. This rare disease is an autoimmune condition which affects eight in every 100,000 children.
While the disease is treatable, it can lead to serious heart complications. As a result, Jake had to take blood thinners to prevent blood clots, which ruled out his involvement in contact sports as his arteries were fragile, leading to an increased risk of internal bleeding or heart failure.
Due to his son's challenges, Marc bought a Ford Escort XR3i as a project for them to work on together. The pair did good work on the car, but Jake suffered a heart attack in 2023 due to a blood clot. While Jake did survive, Marc was determined to make his 21st birthday the best one yet, and to finally complete the restoration of the car.
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However, the task proved too big for him alone. Thankfully, the Car S.O.S team were there to help. With Jake a lifelong Leeds United fan, attending matches together, they found a way to make the day even more special. Visiting the Thorp Arch Training Ground, the group were joined by a guest.
Leeds United's Club Captain Ethan Ampadu joined forces with the team to unveil the surprise. Jake was brought to the training ground for a 'behind-the-scenes birthday tour', unaware of what was really waiting for him.
He was left speechless when he saw the restored Ford Escort XR3i, surrounded by his friends, family and Ethan himself. Ethan Ampadu said: "My biggest thing was trying not to spoil the big moment for him, but I don’t think he had a clue. That made it even more special when he turned around and saw the car."
Presenter Tim Shaw added: “There are certain things in life that you will never forget, and this is one of them. I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Leeds United Football Club for helping us, for making Jake’s dream come true. And to Ethan Ampadu – you absolute legend – you made his day. I just hope we’ve created a memory for young Jake that he will never forget.”
This episode of Car S.O.S will air on National Geographic, at 8pm on April 3.
