Jack suffers from cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia, which leaves him unable to walk, talk or eat on his own.
But Chris is teaching his son that he can still do anything, and together they complete a series of physical challenges.
Each is also intended to support Just Like Jack, started by the Duffy family in 2009 with the aim of giving other kids living with disabilities the same opportunities as Jack.
And this year, Chris’ school mates Steve Lee and Glenn Sneddon have offered their support.
‘‘Jack has been fortunate enough to kayak the East Coast of Tasmania, travelling more than 600km in total. For one leg Chris and Jack were accompanied by another ex-Finley resident, AFL star Shane Crawford,’’ Glenn said.
‘‘Jack has also completed the Overland track across the rugged Tasmanian Cradle Mountain countryside.
‘‘He has finished well in excess of 10 marathons and conquered the Point to Pinnacle in Hobart six times, the toughest half marathon in the world.
‘‘He has only been able to achieve these amazing adventures with the assistance of the inspiring Duffy family and the Just Like Jack foundation.
‘‘Since its inception, many of Jack’s mates have become involved, completing marathons, helicopter flights and other great adventures under the Just Like Jack banner.
‘‘This is where Steve and I came in to it.’’
Almost two years ago Chris issued an invite to all his friends, to join he and Jack in another Point to Pinnacle.
‘‘I’m looking at doing the Point to Pinnacle again with Jack in November, if it goes ahead, with a slight modification,’’ Chris wrote to his friends.
‘‘(We are) going to start at our shack in northern Tassie and do the Clarence Point to Pinnacle — 275km in seven days, six marathons in six days followed by a half up a hill. Would be great to have some company.’’
While COVID-19 impeded the plans, the Duffys did in fact head off on that adventure.
Unable to travel to Tasmania because of the restrictions, Steve and Glenn completed an equivalent trek in Victoria.
‘‘Once we picked our jaws up off the ground we naively agreed to the challenge — Chris is a very convincing man!
‘‘After a few COVID delays, Chris and Jack completed six marathons in six days between Georgetown, north of Launceston, and Hobart and then finished with the Point to Pinnacle.
‘‘Unfortunately we could not get to Tassie to help Chris and Just Like Jack out, so we decided to do the same distance on the Great Victorian Rail Trail between Mansfield and Tallarook.
‘‘Although it was tough physically and mentally, through support from family, old and new friends and the inspiring Just Like Jack foundation we were able get through it.
‘‘Steve and I would like to thank the Just Like Jack organisation for the privilege of being involved with such an inspiring group and life changing event. Our week of running was full of amazing experiences, while getting the buzz of helping the Duffy clan and Just like Jack.
The support from so many will be forever appreciated.’’
For more information about the cause, go to www.justlikejack.com.au
