COMING from a remote cattle station in the Gulf of Carpentaria, leukaemia survivor Jack Ryan knows better than most the difference charity can make to families of sick kids.
That’s why Jack, 17, today decided to shave his head to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation’s annual “World’s Greatest Shave” fundraiser.
The year 12 Cathedral School boarder has so far raised over $2220 for the charity, eclipsing his $2000 goal.
Jack was just seven-years-old when he and his family received the life changing diagnosis.
Living at Ballynure Station, a 16,000 hectare cattle station on the Gulf of Carpenteria near Einasleigh, Jack and his family were forced to shift to Brisbane for his life-saving treatment.
The Leukaemia Foundation stepped in to provide accommodation for his parents and younger brother and sister during their 11 month stay, which allowed the family unit to stay together.
“It was really nice to have my family there supporting me and just being there and not leaving my side was good,” Jack said.
“I want to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation because they helped me and my family so much when we were in Brisbane.
“They gave us a house to live in, free of charge in a really safe environment.”
Jack said while his father had to stay at home managing the property, he traveled to be with the family every couple of months.
The family, who runs about 4000 head of Brahman on their property, have been supported by the community.
Teachers, students and the wider Cathedral School community dug deep to help Jack reach his fundraising goal, while people from his home region also contributed.
Jack said after he finishes school he wants to take a gap year to work on a ranch in Canada, before coming home and under-taking an electrician apprenticeship.
Ultimately though, he wants to return home to one day take over running the family station.