A son’s effort to honour his late mother has earned national recognition in Australia, after two demanding running challenges raised more than $42,000 for stroke awareness and support. Wollongong resident Jack Buckley has been named Fundraiser of the Year at the 2026 National Stroke Awards for turning personal loss into a campaign aimed at helping other families affected by stroke, according to the Stroke Foundation and regional news outlet Region Illawarra. Buckley lost his mother, Keryn, in February 2025, when she was just 58.
Her death inspired him to take on an endurance challenge that would match her age with the number of races he completed, transforming a deeply personal tribute into a wider fundraising effort.
In August 2025, Buckley began his challenge, known as 58 for You, setting out to run 58 half-marathons over 58 consecutive days. The challenge covered more than 1,200 kilometres and tested him through difficult weather, physical exhaustion and the strain of maintaining such an intense schedule. Buckley’s work was recognised at the 2026 National Stroke Awards, held in Melbourne on October 15. Buckley is set to continue supporting the cause in 2027 as part of the Stroke Foundation’s London Marathon team, extending his commitment beyond the two challenges already completed.
His campaign has helped hundreds of Australians learn more about stroke prevention and the warning signs that can require urgent medical attention, according to the Stroke Foundation. Each run represented one year of his mother’s life, with the goal of raising money for the Stroke Foundation and increasing awareness of the condition. The awards celebrate people who have contributed to Australia’s stroke community, including survivors, carers, researchers, health professionals, volunteers and fundraisers. The Fundraiser of the Year category recognises individuals whose efforts go beyond ordinary fundraising to support the wider stroke community. Buckley’s achievement stood out for combining substantial fundraising with a sustained effort to improve public awareness. His fundraising journey is not over.