A Wollongong man who turned the heartbreak of losing his mum to stroke into an incredible fundraising challenge has taken out top honours in the fundraising category at the 2026 National Stroke Awards.
Jack Buckley lost his mum, Keryn, to stroke in February 2025, she was only 58. Determined to honour her memory, Jack has gone to extraordinary lengths to raise funds and awareness to help protect other families from stroke.
In 2025, Jack ran 58 half marathons in 58 consecutive days as a tribute to his mum’s age when she died. Through this incredible endurance challenge, he raised more than $30,000.
Determined to do even more, Jack returned in June 2026 for another gruelling challenge. Over 58 hours, he completed repeated 6.8-kilometre loops with only brief rest breaks, raising a further $12,000. The challenge came just days after what would have been his mum’s 60th birthday.
Despite battling exhaustion and pushing through moments he wanted to stop, Jack was motivated by family, friends and supporters.
Through these challenges, Jack raised more than $42,000 and has helped spark important conversations about stroke prevention, awareness and recovery. In 2027, he will continue his fundraising journey as a member of Stroke Foundation’s London Marathon team.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy said Jack’s fundraising efforts had not only raised vital funds but also helped educate hundreds of Australians about stroke prevention and awareness.
“Jack is such a deserving winner of this award. He is an absolute champion who has demonstrated an incredible commitment to the cause,” Dr Murphy said.
“He has managed to do all of this while managing his own grief, and that’s a testament to the kind of person Jack is.
“Thanks to Jack and his support crew, there are now hundreds of people who know about the signs of stroke, and ways they can lower their own stroke risk, his drive to ease the burden of stroke on other survivors and their families is to be admired.”
The Fundraiser of the Year category recognises people who have gone above and beyond to raise awareness and funds for stroke in Australia.
From survivors of stroke and their families to supporters, allies, health professionals and researchers who dedicate their careers to improving the future for survivors of stroke and their families, Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Awards shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes across Australia’s stroke community.
“Every National Stroke Awards, I am in awe of the resilience, strength and determination of our survivors and the dedication of our carers, researchers and leaders, who all play a key role in our vision for an Australia with fewer strokes, better outcomes, support and care for all.”
The 2026 National Stroke Awards are proudly supported by Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Boehringer Ingelheim, Ipsen, Loxley Financial, Medtronic, Pure Australia and Worrells.
