Mr Tumble lookalike sees brave Jordan off on his final journey

A brave young man who spent his life battling a rare health condition was escorted on his final journey by his favourite television character.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Apr 2016, 09:15 BST
Updated 8th Apr 2016, 09:16 BST
Jordan Graham having fun in Flamingo Land last year.Jordan Graham having fun in Flamingo Land last year.
Jordan Graham having fun in Flamingo Land last year.

Jordan Graham was born with a chromosome abnormality so rare that there were only 16 other cases known worldwide.

Despite this leaving him with many difficulties – including no speech – nothing got in Jordan’s way.

Mr Tumble escorting Jordan Grahams cortege at South Shields Crematorium yesterday.Mr Tumble escorting Jordan Grahams cortege at South Shields Crematorium yesterday.
Mr Tumble escorting Jordan Grahams cortege at South Shields Crematorium yesterday.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 21-year-old, from Cleadon, lost his fight for life on Easter Sunday.

One of his favourite things was to watch the BBC’s Mr Tumble.

Yesterday, as mourners gathered at South Shields Crematorium, a Mr Tumble lookalike from DP Entertainments escorted Jordan’s colourful spotty coffin.

His sister Sarah Graham, 26, said: “Jordan was a very determined young boy. He had no speech, but this did not stop him communicating and telling people what it was he wanted.

Mr Tumble escorting Jordan Grahams cortege at South Shields Crematorium yesterday.Mr Tumble escorting Jordan Grahams cortege at South Shields Crematorium yesterday.
Mr Tumble escorting Jordan Grahams cortege at South Shields Crematorium yesterday.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“During his short life Jordan was a huge character, who was loved by everybody he came into contact with.

“He was never without a smile on his face, and has surely left us all with some amazing memories.”

Jordan, whose parents are Kevin and Alison Graham, attended Oakleigh Gardens Special School and then went on to Greenfields and Keelman’s Way schools.

He was also looked after by respite carer Sheila Dent.

Jordan attended Percy Hedley College, in North Tyneside, until 2014, when his family were told he was terminally ill.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Staff at South Tyneside District Hospital organised an early Christmas party for him last November and surprised him with the cast from the Disney cartoon Frozen.

Jordan’s health initially improved enough for him to be home for Christmas, but in the weeks that followed it deteriorated.

Sarah, who also has a brother, Callum, 16, said: “No matter how big or small, we as a family would like to thank everybody who has contributed to Jordan’s life, making him the centre of attention.

“Sheila, Jordan’s best friend and long-term carer of 15 years, Dr Bradshaw, Dr Muchall, staff at Marsden Road Health Centre, Elmville and at South Tyneside District Hospital, the WRVS and Tynedale Funeral Directors, we thank you all.”

Sheila is taking part in a colour run on Sunday at Northumberlandia, near Cramlington, with all the cash raised going to the Percy Hedley Foundation.

To sponsor her, visit her JustGiving page HERE.