Footy star lends a hand just for Jack
SHANE Crawford is a charity champion in his own right, but the former Hawthorn star will play a supporting role to the Duffy family in tomorrow’s Point to Pinnacle.
Crawford, a Brownlow medallist and former Hawks captain, has rode and run far and wide to raise money and awareness for various charities, but tomorrow he will be there to lend a hand to close friend Chris Duffy and his son Jack.
Jack is an 11year-old wheelchair-bound kid from Launceston with cerebral palsy. He can’t speak, can’t eat and can’t get around by himself. Tomorrow, he and his father will tackle the world’s hardest half-marathon up Mt Wellington.
The duo took on the mountain last year only to be denied by weather, but this year they are back with four other children in wheelchairs and a support team of more than 50.
Crawford will be one of those taking it in turn pushing the children the 21km to the summit.
“It is so inspiring and absolutely in- spires me, seeing what the Duffy family does and to bring a smile to Jack’s face and to be able to get him out and about,” Crawford said. “To watch him come to life is a very special thing that Chris does and I know other families are in the same situation.”
Crawford and Chris Duffy grew up together in the small country town of Finley in NSW, with Crawford coming on board as ambassador for the family’s charity Just Like Jack.
Chris and Jack completed the Melbourne marathon last month, the first time a wheelchair has been pushed for the entire event.
“Jack just loves a crowd,” Mr Duffy said.
“The time he starts laughing the most is when I’m really huffing and puffing so he’ll be giggling very early in the piece I think.”
For Crawford, it will be his first Point to Pinnacle.
More than 3000 people will run or walk to the top of Mt Wellington, while another 500 participants have entered a new event, the Point to Pub — a 10km run from Wrest Point to Fern Tree Tavern.