When 29-year-old Wollongong local Jack Buckley lost his mum, Keryn, to a sudden and devastating stroke in February, his world changed forever.
After Keryn experienced her stroke, Jack and his siblings faced an unimaginable decision. Medical professionals advised that Keryn would not survive, and with heavy hearts, they made the heartbreaking choice to turn off her life support.
Now, driven by love, loss, and an unshakable determination to make a difference, Jack is preparing to run 58 half marathons in 58 days - one for every year of his mum's life!
Starting on August 10 and finishing October 6, Jack's epic endurance challenge, aptly named "58 for You", aims to raise $20,000 for Stroke Foundation, while shining a powerful light on the reality that stroke can strike at any age, even the young and seemingly healthy.
"Mum was the toughest, most selfless person I knew," said Jack. "She was 58, healthy, and had so much life ahead of her. Her stroke came out of nowhere. I want people to know that this can happen to anyone. If my running helps just one family avoid this heartbreak, it'll be worth it."
Jack's campaign is equal parts tribute, challenge, and public awareness push. Through gritted teeth and tired legs, Jack will cover more than 1,200km in less than two months, supported by a growing community of family, friends, local businesses, and health professionals.
"This isn't just about running," said Jack. "It's about raising stroke awareness, funding recovery and prevention programs, and doing something my mum would be proud of."
Stroke Foundation welcomes Jack's campaign as an extraordinary example of lived experience turned into action.
"Jack's story is deeply moving, and his determination is nothing short of awe inspiring," said Dr. Lisa Murphy, Stroke Foundation CEO. "Jack's efforts will help raise awareness of the F.A.S.T signs of stroke and support more than 440,000 Australians who are currently living with the effects of stroke, a serious and often sudden condition that changes lives in an instant."
Jack is calling on the public to get behind him, whether by donating, sharing his story, or even joining him on a run in Wollongong, 80km south of Sydney on the NSW coast.
"Let's get amongst it," he says. "Do something wild. Push yourself. Tell the people you love that you love them. Life's too short to wait."
