JACK Duffy is proving almost anything is possible.
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The Launceston eight-year-old, known across Tasmania as Running Jack and Kayak Jack, will soon become Overland Track Jack with the help of his parents.
Jack has cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia and can’t talk or walk.
His dad, Chris Duffy, will carry him over the 65-kilometre track in a specially designed backpack seat in April.
Mr Duffy said the walk would give Jack an adventure of a lifetime and raise funds for Life Without Barriers.
‘‘Kids like Jack, they’re only limited by the amount of support that’s given to them,’’ Mr Duffy said.
‘‘If we can get anyone out there to lend a hand to others with special needs and give them some kind of different adventure, even just like a walk, then we’ve achieved our dream.’’
The Duffys hope to raise $70,000 for Life Without Barriers – the same amount it raised for St Giles in 2010, when Mr Duffy and Jack kayaked 600 kilometres from Launceston to Hobart.
‘‘We like to do these things with Jack while Erin [his wife] and I are capable of doing it,’’ Mr Duffy said.
‘‘In the future, when Jack’s bigger, we’re not going to be able to do these things.’’
However, Mr Duffy admits the trek isn’t going to be easy.
‘‘There are some hairy spots that will take a bit of work, but we won’t be in any hurry, so we’ll be nice and cautious.’’
The family will be supported by a team of 10, including police (of which Mrs Duffy is one), firefighters (one being Mr Duffy), a paramedic, a teacher and a park ranger.
Jack’s older sister Jaimie, 10, and brother Xavier, 9, are also hoping to walk a bit of the track.
Mr Duffy said his training had started and included regular walks through the Gorge, the beach and the Walls of Jerusalem with a 25-kilogram backpack, which is how much Jack weighs.
About $3000 has already been raised for Life Without Barriers through the Overland Jack-supporting LWB Go Fund Me website.
Mr Duffy said Jack had changed his family’s lives for the better.
‘‘He’s made Erin and I prioritise on what we used to think was important,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re in a really good spot and we’re fortunate that we’ve got the time and the backing of others to do these things.’’
For more information or to donate visit the Overland Jack-supporting Life Without Barriers Facebook page.