Surfebruary x Chris O'Brien Lifehouse

WHY I'M DOING IT

In February 2025 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel and Liver Cancer, so I thought participating in SurFebruary is as good a way as any to recognise this anniversary, and give something back for all the people who have supported me over the last year.

My partner Megan has been amazing. Fullstop, Amazing!!

I'd also like to recognise and thank our family, my mates and friends for checking in and catching up when we can, Dr Danika King, and Dr Chan and the legendary nursing and support team at Newcastle Private Oncology.

We've had a few hiccups recently treatment wise, but we've also been lucky enough to be introduced to the team of specialists at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, so my support has a personal connection. Over the coming months we will work through what options we have with their expertise and support (but with no promises) to beat it.

Cancer is shit, let's not sugar coat it, but with the help of Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and other similar organisations, more and more people are living longer and coming out the other side. That's always been my plan from the start, to beat it, and the more support we can provide to these organisations, the better it is for all of us (one in two of us are gong to be affected by cancer in our lifetime).

I can't surf, thanks to my Canberra upbringing, but I did learn how to do some mean "horseys" from Bombing Rock at Pine Island into the Murrumbidgee as kids. So each day in February I'll "horsey" into Merewether Baths and swim a few laps for SurFebruary and raising funds for cancer research at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.

I know there are more and more causes to support, so no pressure if you can't afford it or already commit elsewhere, but it only takes a minute to donate and anything you can give (no matter how big or small) will go a long way to helping people with cancer and their families.

Thank you, I really appreciate your support. We'll beat it.

See you in the water!

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My Updates

Day 16 - Monday 16 SurFeb

Monday 16th Feb

Into Nobby's for a swim this morning, as the Bath's were closed for cleaning.

A pretty apt photo, as this week I head down to Sydney with my rock and guiding light, Megan, to see what magic the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse hopefully has in store for us.

Day 15 - Sunday 15 SurFeb

Sunday 15th Feb

A late swim, after a few busy days, and a lazy Sunday.

We have no idea who the legend is that generously matched dollar for dollar all the donations made to SurFebruary on Valentine's Day, but thank you to this extremely generous person.

Super appreciated by everyone who is involved with SurFebruary and Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, and I'm sure this put a spring in everyone's step yesterday.

You are a legend, and thank you.

Day 14 - Saturday 14 SurFeb

Saturday 14th Feb

I was privileged to help out the Sleapy's Foundation as a volunteer yesterday at their annual Charity Golf Day. Plenty of people have helped us out over the last year, including Peter and Robynn Sleap, so its good to be able to help out others.

Another awesome organisation helping out those in need.

(PS - this bloke can play!)

Day 13 - Friday 13 SurFeb

Friday 13th Feb

Today is Friday the 13^th, traditionally an unlucky day on the calendar. Exactly one year ago today, you might say it was an extremely unlucky day, the day I received my cancer diagnosis.

We all know cancer is shit, it’s a tough battle, trust me I know.

However, it might sound strange, but lots of good things have also come out of the last 12 months, too many to list to be honest.

On the same basis, so many good people have supported us, whether family, friends, and what were strangers, in both large and small ways. It all puts a smile on your face. Again, there are too many too list, but you know who you are. Thank you.

So today in my eyes, Friday the 13^th is a lucky day. I’m still here and leaning into this tough battle with my loved ones, good things continue to happen, and good people are all around us.

Life can be tough, there will be battles, but its good. So good.

Day 12 - Thursday 12 SurFeb

Thursday 12th Feb

Newcastle Beach.

How good is summer, and how lucky are we to live in a place like Newcastle, with 5 beaches just like this within 5 minutes of each other. Get down to the beach before summer gets away from us.

Day 11 - Wednesday 11 SurFeb

Wednesday 11th Feb

After 23 rounds of fortnightly chemotherapy treatment, today we said goodbye to this part of our journey (for now anyway). Hopefully what's up next, is moving towards the surgical phase at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.

Megan has been with me at every single medical appointment along the way, not to mention the rest of this crazy journey. I couldn't have done this without you Megan. Love you.

So good.

Day 10 - Tuesday 10 SurFeb

Tuesday 10th Feb

Raked and cleaned, and ready to roll for another day.

It would be nice if cancer could be cleaned up as easy as this, and with everyone's support of Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and similar organisations, we're getting closer everyday to better treatments, and hopefully cures to clean up cancer for good.

Day 9 - Monday 9 SurFeb

Monday 9th Feb

Bombing Rock - Pine Island on the mighty Murumbidgee.

Home of the Horsey!!

I'll have to get back there soon (before the river freezes over) for a Horsey.

Day 8 - Sunday 8 SurFeb

Sunday 8th Feb

A week down for SurFebruary, and I'm super happy that I came across this great cause a week ago.

Life's rarely a 10 out of 10, but stay resilient, and keep having a crack, and then the good times (like SurFebruary) will far outweigh the bad times.

Day 7 - Saturday 7 SurFeb

Sunday 8th Feb

A late post, as we visited the two Nancye's today, one 97 years old, and one 5 days old, and they're both lucky enough to wake up to a scene like this everyday.

The Myall River is down there in the trees, but today's swim was in the pool, as we didn't want to stir up the fish for the competitors in the world famous Bulahdelah Bass Bash.

Congrats to young George Dorney and his monster 5kg eel.

Day 6 - Friday 6 SurFeb

Friday 6th Feb

Happy Friday - from God's Country

Slow down, relax, and enjoy your weekend!

Day 5 - Thursday 5 SurFeb

Thursday 5th Feb

Life is good!

Like a surfer waiting for the ideal wave, we've been bobbing around over the last week waiting for some pretty important medical news to come through.

Our wave came through yesterday afternoon, and it was an all time classic that confirmed I have a fractured rib. A fractured rib is good? On this occaison it's bloody good, and a massive relief, as the alternate news would have been a tumour that had spread to my bones.

The further upside to this, is that it appears I can potentially move onto some surgery options under the expertise of Dr Yeo and the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.

Life is good! So good!

Day 4 - Wednesday 4 SurFeb

Wednesday 4th Feb

The world is currently a pretty crazy place, with not a lot of good news hitting our TV's and newspapers (and social media for you young punks).

However it's not all doom and gloom based on the reaction I've had to SurFebruary, with everyday people putting their hand up to make a difference, and put a bit of light back into the world.

I've been blown away by the generosity of our friends, mates, and family, but equally so with donations coming from blokes I played footy with 20 odd years ago (and more impressively from their kids), current and former work colleagues and clients of Megan's (some of whom I've never met), friends of my daughters, old babysitters of the girls, former work colleagues and clients of my own, netball and school parents, pommy mates from my time in the UK, all manner of Newcastle contacts, and even a bloke I haven't seen since I was a teenager.

How good is that, and thank you to everyone who has donated, it is super appreciated.

Day 3 - Tuesday 3 SurFeb

Tuesday 3rd Feb

Easy one to get out of bed for this morning, after the addition to the family of Edwina (Eddie) yesterday. A new baby puts a spring in everyone's step. Congrats Emma and Andrew.

There were no storks delivering babies at the beach this morning, but it was good to see an old man Pelican swing by overhead. Magestic birds (even more so as their beak can hold more than their belly can).

Day 2 - Monday 2 SurFeb

Monday 2nd Feb

A wild and windy start to the day, with the bath's nearly deserted due to the southerly buster. However, cancer doesn't care what the weather is doing, so we get up and get stuck into it.

Day 1 - Sunday 1 SurFeb

Monday 2nd Feb

Thanks to Michelle Faithful for her post about SurFebruary, otherwise I'll be honest in that I would never been aware of this great fundraising initiative. It was a no-brainer to jump on board, to primarily benefit Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and the awesome work they do, but also to benefit my health and motivate me to get out of bed each morning and horsey in for a dip at the Bath's (which I love doing).

I just need to work on my selfie taking now, pretty rough and not my area of expertise.

Thank you to my Sponsors

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Anonymous

$1,000

Matched Gift

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Longwall Haul (aust) Pty Ltd

Good on you Jase, you've got this! Great news today!

$515

John S.

We're in awe of you Jason1 Your Attitude and Determination are an inspiration to all. Keep up the good fight. We're all cheering for you.

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Aimee And Andrew Travis

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Trevor And Christine Allen

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Peter Sleap

You are such a champion and bravely sharing your journey and story and helping everyone along the way. Best wishes for the next stage of your journey.

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Newcastle Stevedores

Good luck with Surfebruary, Jason. Such an awesome challenge for an important cause. Wishing you great waves and strong days ahead, you’ll do it proud.

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Stu & Liv

Jase, we have been so impressed with your discipline and resilience as you take on this fight! We have no doubt with your courage, determination and heart you will beat it. Keep getting stuck in! Stu & Liv

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Active Oosh

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Kath And Dave Swain

We are here for you Jase, what’ a wonderful initiative. Always thinking of you. x

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Alex Hardy

Your courage is inspiring. Proud to support you and this important cause.

$500

Jason Ginns

Putting my money, where my mouth is, and looking forward to the month ahead. I'm not expecting similar amounts from others, only what you can spare for a good cause.

$500

Megan Smith

You have faced every day of this journey with courage, resilience and discipline. I’m so proud of you and here for you every step and turn this takes us. Look forward to a few swims with you in February, and I’ll cover the thursdays when chemo means you can’t. Xx

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Matt And Tash Field

Good on you Jase, a very worthwhile cause, keep being positive and enjoy the Horseys! Thinking of you on your journey. Matt and Tash Field

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Emma, Andrew & Eddie Smith

We love you Jase, always here for you. You’ll go a very long way to find a better bloke & it’s great to see everyone getting behind your fight. Eddie & I will get down to the baths one morning to cheer you on, and we’ll see Andrew in for a dip too! xx

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Jason & Lauren Quigley

Nice work Ginnsey!

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Sophie Prisk

Sending lots of positive vibes your way Jase and thinking of you and your family. Cancer sucks and it affects way too many of us. Wishing you all the best with your treatment.

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Allan Mckeown

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Christine Coles

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The Junction Hotel .

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Richard & Katharine Worgan

You’ve got this legend! 💪🏼

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Peter Ginns

you have got this mate

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Graham Miller

Our love to you mate. From Graham, Amy & Evie

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Gary And Pauline Dean

Hard to put into words how proud we are of how you have fought in this last year. “Sometimes, being brave is not a choice - it is the only option”. You are inspiring.

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Anonymous

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Luke Brown

Well Done Jason, positivity is an amazing thing!

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Ryan & Sabrina Findlay

Great work Jason. All the best with SurFebruary, keep on fighting.

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Express Recycling

You’ve got this mate.

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Tim

Go you good thing!

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Brad Collins

Good luck mate. We’ll done

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Scott And Annette

How about you do some horseys off Baz

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Andrew & Fiona M

Love you x

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Chad Stead

I admire your positivity and determination. You'll beat it!

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Mt Gambier Punters Club

Giddy Up Horsey

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Martin Matthews

Great stuff Jas - well done mate!

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Kay Smith

Jason, you inspire all of us every day! You are always there for us - eg turned up at the farm to help when the bushfires were on and worked all day! No such thing as "sit at home and feel sorry for yourself" in your book - you always put others first. Take care!

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Stuart Birkbeck

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Peter Ginns

Well done plenty of valentines days to come for you to celebrate I’m sure.

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Suzie Leask

Thinking of you, Megan and your girls, and wishing you all the best with your treatment. Cancer sure does suck, but we are all behind you cheering you on 👏

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Steph

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Ali And Craig Kimmorley

Good on you Jase!

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Belinda & Craig Wellings

You're an amazing person, Jason Ginns, keep fighting the good fight. We love you. Bel and Craig

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Tanya C

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Anne Byrnes

Thinking of you Jason & Megan and the care and support you offered to Rachael.

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Kanika Singh

Sending lots of positive energy and healing your way Xx

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Dean Frith

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Daniel Biancardi

Truely inspirational Jason. Wishing you and Megan all the best. Thoughts and prayers 🙏

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Jane Mcintosh

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Suzi Waller

Inspirational effort ♥️

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Craig Wellings

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Chris Grant

Well done Jason. Thinking of you Megan and the Girls xx

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Ally Guest

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Adam Taunton

All the best to you mate. No words can truly state how shit it is to manage this beast. Hope you give it hell.

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Duane Dowell

So inspiring Jason! All the very best with your fundraising efforts for an amazing cause. You're a champion mate!

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Jake And Merrilyn Ginns

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Jack Allard

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Tania Hutchison

❤️😍❤️

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Natalie Chapman

On you, Jase! And Megan! You two sure are an A Team. Look forward to catching up either at the Barhs or the netty courts soon. Nat x

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Lee Mayne

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Jim Pichaloff

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David And Wendy

I've heard tales of the Horsey King. Could it be...🤔

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Kerrily Rogers

Chris O'Briens foundation needs more couragous people like you Jason. Thank you for spreading the word.

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Jeremy Hayman

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Caroline

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Anonymous

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Reuban Walsh

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Kelly Griffiths

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Mark Sherwood

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Adrian And Kristy

Awesome effort mate stay positive there’s plenty of support around for you

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Daz And Kim

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Jess Beer

Good luck mate, I hope its not too cold!

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Alison Prestwidge

Such a fabulous cause - happy swimming Jase!

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Anonymous

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Claudia Tserepas

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Laura Balding

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Qmf Construction

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Cashman Family

Cashman family sending positive vibes to you Jason cx

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Leesa Duggan

Good on you Jase, keep on swimming! Xx

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Tutty Welsh

Strength and love x

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Narelle Barnes

You’ve got this!! Big love, Narelle & Levi x

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Rosanna Fuller

Love your work Jason. Xx

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Donna & Rob Buck

Jase you are a trooper! Wishing you strength and healing x

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Brad & Vanessa Leach

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Susan Mullard

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Katie Hamment

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Hamment Family

Good on raising awareness snd $. Good luck.

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Anonymous

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Renee Freeman

Sending strength to you Jason, and to your amazing support crew!

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Janette Barnes

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Jean Shultz

Jason, keep up the good fight. Your self-discipline and commitment is amazing!

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Peter Barnes

Well Done Ginnsy, All the best mate.

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Evan Kellar

All the best, mate. I will be ready to join you for a Horsey at Pine island!

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Bec Cartwright

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Steph, Michael And Mack Olzomer

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Rob Slater

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Georgie Williams

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Julie And Terry Seiver

You’ve got this, Jason. You’re such a strong, genuine human, and we’re all behind you. Sending lots of love and support xx

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Brent Milsom

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Ward Fleming

Great work Ginnsy, Stay strong.

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Cam Roxby

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Chels Pickering + Michael Johnsen

Great job Jason! Your positivity during everything is an inspiration to all! 😊

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Paula Rowlett

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Gloria Watt

Jason, keep up the good work! Love catching up with you and Megan at the farm!

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Anonymous

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Jane

Just keep swimming ..

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Andrew Mcdonald

All the best, mate. Sending strength and support. Andy Macca

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Ciara Ryan

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Ella Smith

❤️❤️

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Lizzie & Chris Neenan

Thinking of you in this fight Jason. A fight we faced 5 years ago. We are cheering you on. Lizzie & Chris Neenan

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Sue Robards

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Melesande Carrington

Keep fighting the good fight!!

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Emily Hamment

Go Jason!! Such an inspiration - thinking of you and your beautiful family

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Leanne O'brien

Happy to support this charity.Jason, if anyone can beat cancer it is you! We got your back buddy. We are here for you and Audrey anytime you need, just shout out.

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