Fundraiser Of The Year: Jack Buckley runs twin ‘58’ challenges; boosts stroke awareness

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. According to the Stroke Foundation and regional news outlet Region Illawarra, 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. 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.58 half-marathons in 58 daysIn August 2025, Buckley began his challenge, known as 58 for You, setting out to run 58 half-marathons over 58 consecutive days. 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 challenge covered more than 1,200 kilometres and tested him through difficult weather, physical exhaustion and the strain of maintaining such an intense schedul...