Running for Cerebral Palsy and my baby brother Jackson. "His story"

$1,681 donated
Given by 49 generous donors in 20 days

I don't enjoy running and I think its unfair I can when others can't, so I will run this marathon for awareness and one day with Jackson.

Dunedin, Otago

Jackson was born perfectly healthy with no complications. He was two weeks old and appeared unwell. My parents took him to the hospital and 20 minutes in the doctors assumed he was fine. Suddenly his heart rate rose to 360 bpm it took two and a half hours to stabilise him. The hospital were informed it was an SVT attack and were given instructions that weren't followed, this caused a delay in supplying oxygen to his brain which resulted in brain bleeds that lead to brain damage (HIE). He was placed on life support and my parents were told he had a 0.1% chance for survival and he needed transportation. They were told that he might not survive the night and the damage was too severe. He was in Wellington Hospital for 3 weeks and was close to returning to his local hospital but suddenly another SVT attack struck. Nothing was working and they prepared my family for his passing. Jax survived with no additional brain damage, and was life flighted to Starship for multiple heart scans, where no damage was found. Jax was still on life support but came off quickly. They were told that his brain damage was so severe he might not wake but if he did it came with "no quality of life" they fought to trust the process and he woke up. His brain damage has lead to Cerebral Palsy, and my family and pediatrician discovered that the cause of this was hospital negligence. However, Jackson is now growing up thankfully with his family striving as a strong, successful little boy who beat the odds.

Rhys Jowitt's involvement (page creator)

Jackson is my youngest brother of 9 siblings, there is a 18 year age gap between him and I. Due to me being at University I only get to see Jackson during breaks but every time I get to see him its a blessing. I'm proud to be his older brother.

Use of funds

The money will cover the fees for the marathon ($120) and the rest of the money raised will be sent to my parents (Carla & Richard Jeffs) due to loss of income whilst away for intensive therapy courses for Jackson, and for age appropriate excursions for respite.

Read more

Latest update

I made it!!   15 September 2026

Thank you again to everyone who has helped me along this process through donations, encouragement or messages. I have now completed the half Marathon in a time I never knew I would make it in (2:03:48). This was a very challenging experience for me as this has completely moved me outside my comfort zone reaching out to others, creating a fundraiser for an amazing boy and lets not forget the Marathon itself. I was more than fortunate to be able to be on call with Jackson and my father as I crossed the finish line and all I can say is that I have never felt prouder in myself. This is all for you Jackson and I am glad I can say this is my first step in providing for you and my family! My family sends their absolute most gratitude they can provide and have said that words can not explain how thankful they are for everyone who has supported as well. I would like to say thank you again one last time for everyone throughout this process helping for an amazing cause. This page will stay open for another week if there is anyone you would like to send this too, who would love to hear this story or think it could help anyone else in the same predicament. Thank you too you all I appreciate it more than anyone can ever know, helping me make something like this possible for my family.

Share this update

View and comment

Read more

Latest donations

Louise
Louise on 13 Sep 2026
$30
Rhys Jowitt

Thank you for your donation Louise!

Rhys Jowitt
Leila
Leila on 13 Sep 2026
$10
Rhys Jowitt

Ayyye thank you Leila more than appreciative !!

Rhys Jowitt
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 13 Sep 2026
$20
Rhys Jowitt

Thank you for the donation much appreciated

Rhys Jowitt
Lucy
Lucy on 13 Sep 2026
CHHHEEEOOOOO RHYS!! 🤙
$20
Rhys Jowitt

Lettts gooo !! Congrats on the full and thank you for the donation!

Rhys Jowitt
Riley
Riley on 13 Sep 2026
$20
Rhys Jowitt

Thank you Riley means a lot!!

Rhys Jowitt

Who's involved?

Rhys Jowitt's avatar
Created by Rhys Jowitt
Carla Jeffs's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Carla Jeffs on behalf of For my little brother who has Cerebral Palsy.
Page Moderated
The page has been checked by our team to make sure it complies with our terms and conditions.

Any concerns?

Report this page
This campaign started on 3 Sep 2026 and ended on 23 Sep 2026.