Sponsorship goal blown away as Jacob’s Squad raises more than $50,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities

A squad of walkers participating in a big Ronald McDonald House Charities event last weekend has raised more than $50,000 in memory of Albany’s Jacob Wills.

Jacob’s Squad, led by Jacob’s father Luke, had set a goal of raising $5000 by taking part in the 42km Up All Night walk overnight from Saturday to Sunday.

The 11-member team blew their expectations out of the water, raising $51,576 so far — the most by any of the community groups taking part in the Perth event.

Mr Wills was taking part in the event for the second time after he and his son were supported by RMHC for more than 12 months during Jacob’s battle with neuroblastoma.

He said this year was easier because he knew what to expect and that having the support of a group also helped.

“Plenty of banter and encouragement back and forward all night,” he said.

“There was a few stages that had some definitely questioning their friendships with me, but it could not of had a more determined crew.”

Individually Mr Wills has so far raised $20,039 and Adam Bell has also raised an impressive $18,970, the two highest individual totals so far.

“It has been an amazing ride,” Mr Wills said.

“We could not have done it without the support of everyone, especially the Albany community.

“To have raised over $50k is mind-blowing, completely blew my goals out of the water.”

In the lead-up to the event, Mr Wills also committed to taking part in the Busselton event on March 9-10 if the squad raised more than $30,000.

He said there was little time to rest in between the walks.

“I actually did two kilometres when I arrived back home on Sunday arvo to loosen things up,” he said.

“I will have a quiet week then do a couple of good walks over the long weekend to stay ready.”

You can support the fundraising efforts of Mr Wills and Jacob’s Squad by donating online.