Tim Jackson spent more than half his life battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia but amazingly his spirit stayed strong, and he made the most of every moment.
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The eldest child of Brad and Sue Jackson he was initially a timid boy who adored his baby sister Adrienne.
Soon after starting school Tim’s love of music and talent became apparent. After learning Advance Australia Fair in his first school assembly, he came home and played it on his keyboard perfectly after only a couple of attempts.
Tim was given a guitar by his cousin Graeme and went on to teach himself to play and sing. He would often accompany his sister Adrienne while she sang her favourite songs – much to his parent's delight. The jam sessions in his high school music room were also legendary.
During his school days, he played soccer, was a Walcha Flipper winning several swimming trophies and was a member of the Walcha Little Athletics Club.
In April 2005 when Tim was just 11 years old he was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia and then his incredible bravery and inner strength began to show.
After spending eight months going back and forth between the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Randwick, Tim’s prognosis was excellent, and his family began the five-year countdown from the end of treatment to cure.
During this time Tim felt so well he began to play Rugby League. He loved playing footy, and he told his mother much later it was the only time that he felt physically normal since his diagnosis.
An excellent school student Tim consistently came home with great school reports, and he was elected Vice Captain in both Primary and Secondary School.
His battle with cancer continued. At age 14 he missed nearly a year of school and at 18 he went to hospital again and underwent a bone marrow transplant on his nineteenth birthday. The Christmas before his 21st birthday he relapsed again when a tumour was discovered in his groin. However, Tim still made it to his party in July and celebrated with more than 100 friends and relatives.
During his life, Tim met celebrities, had lunch with the Governor General at Admiralty House and enjoyed quite a few V.I.P experiences. He also moved to Port Macquarie and took a job where he met and married the love of his life Emily and learned to fly. This was a passion sparked by his many Angel Flight trips from Walcha to Sydney for treatment.
His mother said Tim loved the Walcha community and wanted her to thank all the wonderful people who had helped him and his family financially, emotionally and practically during his 12-year battle.
