Joel Jackson stops by Hedland’s Life and Soul club on charity tour of WA

Actor and ex-Pilbara local Joel Jackson appeared at South Hedland’s Life and Soul gym on Sunday to spread the word of his family’s Telethon fundraising endeavour. The Lap started on September 10 and sees Jackson and his father, Weston, motorcycling around WA, making short but memorable appearances in about 100 towns to raise money for Telethon WA. “Our goal is to raise $25,000 and we have raised $17,000 so far. As much is it is amazing to raise so much money it’s also really important to reach out to local communities,” Jackson said. “Our last stop in Karratha I attended the 40th anniversary of Millars Well Primary School where my father Weston has worked for over 20 years. “That was really special for me and then in two days I will be in Derby, so it just keeps going.” Jackson said sport and fitness had always played a major role in his life and getting involved with local gyms was a great way to give back. “My father was a great athlete and played basketball with Luc Longley,” he said. “I grew up playing State soccer and played for the Karratha Falcons so fitness and sport has always run in my family.” Life and Soul Club manager Kira Cowan said hosting Joel and his family was a great experience. “The fact that we got to meet Joel and his parents and combined that with a fun workout, while raising money for such a great cause, makes it that much more fun,” she said. “This year alone we have helped raise funds for The Mother’s Day classic, Do it for Dolly, Safe, The Gidget Foundation, RUOK Day and now The Lap.” The club has hosted triathlete Nathan Groch, the South Hedland Cougars and joined in a boot camp with the Pilbara Regiment.