Head boy with only weeks to live gives inspiring speech

Almost every morning starts the same.

 I sit in front of my laptop with a cup of coffee and scour the inter web for something moving, inspiring or maybe just plain silly or delightful to share with you. 

More often than not I find something that makes me feel something deep inside. 

Today is no different. 

This clip is taken from Head Boy of Christchurch Jake Bailey's final school speech. 

Jake was recently diagnosed with Burkitts non-Hodgkinson lymphoma, a fast growing form of cancer.

I am so moved by Jakes courage, honesty and openness. Jake could so easily have turned over in his hospital bed and pulled the covers over his head, instead he is wheeled onto the school stage armed with courageous inspiration.

He said: "None of us get out of life alive, so be gallant, be great, be gracious, and be grateful of the opportunities you have"

During his speech Jake was overcome with emotion but never faulted once. He finished with the schools motto 'Altiora Peto", which means "I seek higher things"

The room erupted into thunderous applause, singing of the school song and a heartfelt impromptu Haka. Jake closed his eyes and looked up mouthing the words thank you. 

My heart…

One can only wonder how proud and distressed his parents must be. 

Life is such a fragile gift, be kind, love with a full heart and be a part of the light not the dark.

Here is the short version of his beautiful speech:

Check out his full speech here: