Jai’s empowering push raises thousands

A Point Lonsdale resident and Queenscliff Primary School pupil has taken up the challenge of giving back to a support service that had a special impact on a member of his own family.

11-year-old Jai Williams completed his 200km challenge, Jai’s 200K’s in 30 Days, last Saturday and raising $3,000 in funds for Geelong-based addiction treatment centre, The Power In You Project.

“I did about nine kilometres a day to break it up, which allowed me to take a few days off here and there,” Jai said.

“I enjoyed doing the school run in the morning, and I also did that with footy training, basketball, tennis, and running on the oval at the footy club.”

Jai’s father, Nigel, is a former participant at The Power In You Project (PIYP), battling post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction following a shock car accident during the 2014 Easter weekend that almost killed him.

After acquiring a brain injury, spending many months in and out of hospital, selling his plumbing business, conducting rehabilitation for eight months, and now living with one-and-a-half lungs, he began a program at PIYP 18 months ago.

Shortly after completing his program, PIYP founder Kane Nuttall offered Mr Williams an opportunity to join his team as a volunteer two times a week, assisting with running group activities.

“What appealed to me in joining PIYP for my recovery were the activities that they have for clients and the one-on-one sessions if you have the necessary NDIS funding, whether it be going to the gym, going for a walk, going fishing or anything like that, as an active person that really appealed to me,” Nigel said.

“Now, I’m on the other side of those activities, helping others who are in the position I was once in, helping them get through what they need to get through and empowering them to make the right decisions.”

Mr Williams is now studying a Certificate IV in Mental Health and coaches a team at Queenscliff Football Club.

Jai, who plays in the Coutas’ Under 12s side, was inspired to take on his 200km challenge after spending time at PIYP’s annual Christmas Big Breakfast.

“We went down to PIYP on Christmas Day, and it was just nice to see everyone smiling and having so much fun, so I thought, why not help more?” he said.

“It was my first time going, but I could see how happy everyone was and I hope my fundraiser can help PIYP’s programs continue to make a difference.”

Jai’s fundraising total presently sits at $3,000, $1,000 off his original fundraising goal.

To donate to Jai’s initiative and PIYP’s programs, head to power-in-you-project.raisely.com/jais200ksin30days

If you need help, phone Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, headspace on 1800 650 890 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.