By BRIDGET SCOTT
Cranbourne News 2014 Person of the Year
A GIFT came early for the now 30-year-old Jake Ward who said being crowned the Cranbourne News Person of the Year 2014 was a “nice early birthday present.”
It was hard to look any further than the admirable Cranbourne East man who trekked from Sydney to his home earlier last year to raise money for breast cancer.
Two massive efforts combined have allowed Jake to raise nearly $50,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, a charity close to his heart after the disease took the lives of his aunt and cousin.
Jake’s massive efforts would be more than some people can even imagine. In 2013, he left his home on 7 December for a 110-kilometre run around Casey and Frankston, raising more than $8000. The following year, Jake took it up a notch, embarking on a 16-day journey from Sydney to his home, raising more than $40,000.
Reflecting on his achievements, Jake said he wanted to do something with a “wow factor.”
“Running long distances is the only thing I am good at,” he said.
Jake said he “didn’t run for awards”.
“It was to raise money and awareness, and that’s what I have done,” he said.
Looking ahead, Jake said he would not rule out another fund-raiser, but said it was all about making the next one bigger and better. He said he would love to raise more money and awareness.
“So long as the body keeps working,” he said.
“You can’t go shorter – it has to be bigger and better each time.”
Jake said it was a rewarding feeling to say he went by foot from Sydney to Melbourne, a rare feat.
“I think the accomplishment when you say it out loud (is great),” he said.
“Most people fly it, to say you made it by foot is really good.”
Jake said he received messages from eight different countries when he completed his most recent accomplishment, as well as one from every state in Australia.
Overwhelmed by the support he received, the Cranbourne News was there to watch him cross the finish line, and witnessed a close-to-speechless competitor.
Despite his unforgiving body, mental strength took over physical strength during the final leg, allowing Jake to run the last stretch of his hike as family and friends lined the footpath to welcome him home.
Emotion overcame the runner as he stepped foot on his driveway into the welcoming arms of his aunt and his mother.
Cancer survivors were also among the mix to greet him, after sending him supportive words along the way.
Jake said he felt like the “luckiest guy in the world” and described the journey as a “long trip.”
“My body gave up, but you guys didn’t,” he told the welcome home party.
He said his pain wasn’t real compared to what some people had to go through in life.
The VCAL trainer and disability worker is one to keep an eye on, with plans for a bigger quest sure to be in the works.
