Luke Wills rallies Jacobs Squad for Up All Night marathon, fundraising for Ronald McDonald House Charity

The father of an Albany 11-year-old who died in 2023 after a cancer battle is lacing up his walking shoes for the fourth time to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charity that cared for his son.

Luke Wills has gathered nine of his friends, family and colleagues to participate in the Up All Night marathon, walking 42km across Perth over the night on March 22-23.

Together, they form Jacob’s Squad, named in honour of Jacob Wills, whose 12-month battle with neuroblastoma touched many hearts.

Through a combination of collection tins, flyers, social media posts and “good old word of mouth” they have already raised $22,731 of their $30,000 goal in three months.

Mr Wills said he is “pretty happy” with the total so far and looks forward to seeing the funds go into RMHC WA.

“Anything is good, but to be raising that much is great,” he said.

“I definitely didn’t think we’d be anywhere near that after getting over $50,000 last year but I’m quietly hopeful we might be surpassing $30,000.

“My cousin is up in Dampier and he’s raised $8000 of it, so bit of mining money up there, but Albany has definitely held its own in fundraising.”

This marks the third year Mr Wills has participated in the event, completing both the Busselton and Perth marathons last year.

Almost two years on from Jacob’s death, Mr Wills said he expects this event to be easier than last years, when the grief was “still very fresh”.

“I think last year it had only been about six months afterwards so there was a lot of grieving going on, and it was possibly a bit of distraction,” he said.

“This year I’m a lot better and there is a lot more remembrance, trying to include Jacob in it.

“It’s really special that everyone keeps jumping on board and a way we all get to remember him.

“He would’ve loved to do this with me and get around it, but it’s great to see the support, to see that he did touch so many hearts.

“It proves Jacob had a goodly crew.”

Dragon Claw Tattoo Studio have jumped on board with the fundraising efforts, hosting a $50 flash tattoo event on March 15 where all profits will be donated to the cause.

Mr Wills hopes his son, who he describes as loving soccer, Pokemon and The Greatest Showman, would appreciate how his memory is being carried on and the local support.

“He always thought he was world famous in Albany,” he said.

“The way it doesn’t feel like I’m pushing it on everyone and going around asking for donations, having them approach me because they want to help, shows that he was.”

Donations to Jacob’s Squad can be made on the Up All Night website.