Running for Reason
Josh Byrne’s story
When my eldest brother Jack was just 11 years of age, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour which saw him undertake two major operations at John Hunter Children’s Hospital followed by countless sessions of radiation treatment. Although he put up a very brave fight, Jack sadly passed away in 2002 at the age of 18.
With the help of my mum and dad, Jack ‘ran’ in 14 City to Surf events from his 1st birthday until he was 14, eventually pulling out due to his increasing illness which was now terminal. I was also pushed in a pram alongside my brother Billy until we were all old enough to jog the 14 km course ourselves. But before this happened, my dad had the problem of getting his 3 kids to the finishing line in one piece, so he decided to throw us all in a builder’s barrow to add to the atmosphere. And with the aid of training wheels at the rear, he did this for 5 years straight. Jack returned to the wheelbarrow again on his 12th birthday due to another major operation just prior to the 1996 event.
Well, it’s happening again, and I will be repeating history by pushing my own 3 kids in a wheelbarrow in this year’s City 2 Surf, (with the help of training wheels of course). And it will be Jack’s 40th birthday!”
Josh is making this an extra meaningful race by fundraising for Kids with Cancer Foundation, as part of the Kids with Cancer Foundation City to Surf Team. He has raised $5000 so far but is aiming to go as big as he can.
Josh’s City2Surf Donation Page
Josh’ Facebook Page
