Jack Buckley with his beloved mum, Keryn. Photo: The Stroke Foundation.
Wollongong’s Jack Buckley has run more than 1000 km in the past few weeks – and yesterday (6 October) his epic journey was complete.
After Jack’s mum Keryn suffered a catastrophic stroke at the age of 58 earlier this year he was determined to dig deep in her honour.
He decided to run 58 half-marathons in 58 days to raise money for the stroke foundation, in the hopes that no other family has to endure the same suffering.
Since August Jack has run in pouring rain, blustery winds and blistering heat, but he hasn’t let any of that break his stride.
Just don’t ask to look at his feet.
“It’s been a wild ride; I’ve experienced the highs and lows,” he said.
“The wheels are just now starting to slowly fall off physically, and mentally it’s become a bit of a dogfight to hang in there until the end.
“I had food poisoning 33 days in and had to miss a day; that broke me mentally.
“Probably the biggest challenge has been staying on top of food. I’m supposed to eat about 4000 calories a day and I don’t think I’m quite making that but I’m doing the best I can.”
To keep pace with the hard yakka, Jack’s had the unwavering support of his partner, community and workplace.
From regular physio and remedial massage thanks to Evolve Health Illawarra to his gyms and employer Struddy’s Apparel all holding their own challenges to support his fundraising effort’s, the community has backed Jack every step of the way.
When it gets really tough he just thinks of his mum.
“She’d call me a silly fool, but she’d be proud at the same time,” he said.
“Thinking of her keeps me going.
“I’m very lucky to live in a community where people are supportive of anyone taking on a challenge.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the team behind me and my partner, but I’m nearly there now.”
Jack has already smashed his $20,000 fundraising target and hopes to hit about $25,000.
The money will go to the Stroke Foundation to support stroke survivors, raise awareness of the signs of stroke, and fund stroke research.
In recognition of his efforts Jack has been nominated for Fundraiser of the Year for the Stroke Foundation.
“Achieving that $20,000 goal was very emotional for me,” he said.
“Anything else is just a bonus – I feel like I’ve accomplished something.
“I bawled my eyes out when I found out I was nominated for Fundraiser of the Year. I’m a big softie and it’s been a big year so to be recognised for the hard work was pretty awesome.”
If you would like to donate, head to Jack’s fundraising page.
