This pint-sized champion from Wellington has put his own challenges aside to raise valuable funds for a charity which has assisted his family through ongoing health battles.
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Jackson Fleeton, 12, has a rare brain condition called Agenisis of the Corpus Callosum, Motor Sensory Neuropathy and most recently was diagnosed with a genetic mutation never identified before.
Upon moving to Wellington in 2011 Jackson endured a decline in his ability to walk which presented a number of battles, the most recent being a major operation on his legs to extend his ability to walk.
Intense therapy was required to gain strength and learn to walk again after a stint in a wheelchair. While he is now walking with AFO supports, it is expected Jackson will eventually be confined to a wheelchair in future.
As a result of Jackson’s disorders he has spent a significant amount of time visiting doctors and specialists in Sydney, trips which require the assistance of Ronald McDonald houses.
It is for this reason the Year 7 Dubbo College, South Campus student has taken it upon himself to give back to the charity which has offered his family support over the years.
Jackson jumped on board a fundraising campaign run by Ronald McDonald House Randwick, ‘Race for the Kids’. In order to participate Jackson had to sign up to walk between two and five kilometres and raise money for the house in the process.
Although well aware it would be a difficult and painful task, the youngster wasn’t deterred and has obliterated his initial goal of $1000.
Jackson completed the walk along the Macquarie River park walk in Dubbo on Saturday, March 11 and through extending his support base has raised $7,144.36 as of Thursday afternoon.
Jackson said he is proud to have raised funds for what he believes is a vital service. He thanked his supporters for walking with him and donating to his fundraiser.
“I am so proud of myself,” he said. “I know that Ronald McDonald House will get lots of money to buy new things they need.”
“Thank you for giving and for walking with me. It made me not give up on my dreams.”
Jackson’s mother, Cher said the support behind Jackson has been amazing and through this support it has become obvious just how many hearts he has touched over his short life.
“Jackson’s determination and spirit is not something you come across everyday and even with all the medical interventions, therapy appointments and treatments he regularly suffers through, he still manages to smile,” she said. “He is an amazing little guy who is an inspiration to all he meets.”
