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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for your donation Louise!
Ayyye thank you Leila more than appreciative !!
Thank you for the donation much appreciated
Lettts gooo !! Congrats on the full and thank you for the donation!
Thank you Riley means a lot!!
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.