Running for Jackson: one caregiver’s powerful reason to take part in the HBF Run for a Reason

5 May 2025

For one caregiver from the St John of God Subiaco Hospital Clinical Trials Unit, the reason is deeply personal.

For Jessica Whitehouse, this year’s run holds an especially deep meaning. On 25 May, the day of the event, her little brother Jackson would have turned 24. Instead of celebrating with him, Jess is running 12km in his memory after tragically losing him to suicide last year.

"I knew I wanted to do something meaningful to honour him and to help others who might be silently struggling like he was. Running gives me a way to turn my grief into purpose," Jess said.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians, with seven boys and two girls lost every day. It is a heartbreaking reality that the Kai-Fella Foundation is working hard to change. Their focus is on empowering young people to speak up, redefining traditional gender roles, and making emotional openness a strength — not a stigma.

“The work Kai-Fella does is powerful,” Jessica said. 

“They’re reaching kids at a point in their lives where support and open conversation can make all the difference. They’re not just raising awareness, they’re building connection.”

In honour of Jackson and to support others who face similar mental health challenges, Jess has already raised over $3,000 for the Kai-Fella Foundation. 

“Kai-Fella’s mission addresses exactly what my brother struggled with — feeling like he couldn’t speak up when things got tough. Their work creates a culture where vulnerability is strength, and seeking help is normalised.”

The pain of losing a loved one to suicide is unimaginable, and for Jess, the grief is still raw. However, through the support of her fellow caregivers, her community, and the Kai-Fella Foundation, she has found a way to channel that pain into action.

“There’s a part of me that will always be missing. But through that darkness, the support from our community — family, friends, colleagues, and even people we barely knew, has been overwhelming,” she said.

“It’s reminded me that while grief is personal, healing can be collective.”

The Subiaco Clinical Trials Team has been a powerful part of Jess’s healing journey, providing not just support but a sense of community when she needed it most. In fact, 14 of her fellow caregivers have committed to joining her in the run, with many more cheering her on in spirit.

“From the beginning, my entire office rallied behind me. They showed up in ways I never expected.”

Jess is especially grateful to her colleagues Sarah Negus, Kirsten Loffell, and Gabrielle Jones, who not only spoke about Jackson’s story but made it their mission to help raise funds and awareness alongside her.

“Their kindness, strength, and willingness to take action meant the world to me.”

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Chief Executive Officer Tina Chinery acknowledged the compassion and strength demonstrated by Jess and the Clinical Trials Team in supporting mental health awareness.

"With this May being mental health month, Jess’s courage in sharing her story, and the way her team have stood beside her, speaks to the heart of what compassionate care looks like," Tina said.

"It shows how deeply community and connection matter, especially when we come together to support mental health and remind one another that no one has to face their struggles alone."

Fundraising was not without its challenges as sharing such a personal loss so publicly took courage. However, Jess says the overwhelming support, encouragement, and stories shared by others made it all worthwhile.

“Every donation is a reflection of the love people had for Jackson and their belief in the cause. Knowing that his story is helping others makes me feel like he’s still making a difference.”

As she prepares to cross the finish line this Sunday, Jess hopes her story inspires others to get involved, speak out, and support mental health in any way they can.

“If I have a message to share, it’s this: whether you’ve been personally affected or not, your support matters. These conversations save lives. Just by showing up, you could change someone’s world.”

You can support Jess and the Kai-Fella Foundation via her donation page.

• Visit Jess’s Run for a Reason donation page.