Think City2Surf, think Heartbreak Hill. They are synonymous. So too are heartbreak and Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon — my brother and our hero. The nation’s hero.
On March 6, my life changed forever when I received the devastating news that our beloved Jack, an Australian Special Forces Soldier, had been killed in a tragic parachuting incident at Richmond RAAF base.
Jack had been taking part in a routine training exercise, jumping from about 8000 feet, when both his parachute and reserve parachute failed to open. The impact instantly claimed his life.
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My family and Jack’s closest friends, rushed to the ICU to say goodbye. The hours and days that followed were a total blur. The life I had always known, would never be the same.
A funeral held in our hometown of Cessnock in the Hunter Valley, attracted about 1600 people including the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Defence Minister Richard Marles, a title my own father, Joel Fitzgibbon once held.
Jack was just 33 years old and had his whole life ahead of him.
He was loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting him, and admired by those he worked alongside within the 2 Commando regiment and beyond. If love could have saved my brother, he would have lived forever.
Over the past five months, the City2Surf’s challenging Rose Bay-Vaucluse climb has been constantly on my mind and in my dreams.
It’s a challenge which speaks to courage, discipline, determination, commitment and resilience; attributes constantly and persistently referenced in conversations about my big brother.
Heartbreak Hill should be easy this year. No physical or phycological pain can compete with the emotional blow of our loss. But it can be, and will be, a release.
With each step will come sadness, regret, frustration and even anger. But most of all, the drumbeat will be one of love, fond memories and thanks for thirty-three wonderful years. Our Jack is now forever young.
This eclectic mix of emotions will be present in the minds of the 150 family and friends who will proudly don the white shirt of the 14 for Fitz City2Surf team. We’ll run and walk in grief, but we’ll do so for a cause. And we’ll do so in the name of Jack Patrick Fitzgibbon.
The cause is the Commando Welfare Trust, a charity formed to support our special forces soldiers and their families. Our goal is $50,000. Having conquered the gruelling City2Surf track in good time himself, I know Jack would be proud. Just as we are proud of him.
We are inspired by my brother and what he did for his country. The pain of our loss will be with us, our hearts forever broken. It all makes Heartbreak Hill look easy and with his aspiration, it will be.
On August 11, 14 for Fitz runners will have a laser focus on two goals. The first will be the official finish line. The second will be the North Bondi RSL where we’ll again celebrate Jack’s life, loves, achievements, his service and the $50,000 gift he now leaves for those who might need it.
To donate to the Commando Welfare Trust, click here.
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