Joel and Grace Fitzgibbon gather huge team to run C2S fundraiser in memory of Jack

Former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon will be joined by his daughter Grace and 150 family and friends in today’s City to Surf to raise money in memory of son Jack.

In the five months since his tragic passing, Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon’s family have learnt more about his character and work-life than they could have ever imagined.

The 33-year-old son of former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon died earlier this year after being injured in a parachuting incident at the Richmond RAAF base.

Since his untimely death, thousands of men and women have made contact with his family to tell them of his “bravery”, “heroism” and “compassion”.

His younger sister, 7NEWS reporter Grace Fitzgibbon, never knew much about what her “big brother” did for work, however in a bittersweet twist, she has recently been given a glimpse of his life as a Lance Corporal.

“Jack was the life of every party, he was incredibly brave, incredibly good at what he did, but also really humble,” his sister Grace said. “That’s why never told us much about what he did for work, he was never one to brag.

Around 150 family and friends will join Grace and Joel Fitzgibbon running in the City to Surf to raise money for the Commando Welfare Trust. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“The journalist in me would try and push him on what he did for work, but he would often respond with, ‘it’s hard to explain’.

“But since he has passed, I have learnt so much about what he did, which has been somewhat of a silver lining. I may never have known how skilled and brave he was.”

Grace Fitzgibbon says the silver lining in the tragedy of her brother Jack’s passing has been all the wonderful stories she has heard about him. Picture: Instagram

Men and women from all walks of life have emailed, texted and written to the Fitzgibbon family to tell them stories involving their son and brother — the most profound being how he confronted bullies he came across within the defence force.

“I was able to draw a little bit of information about what he did because as I was a former defence minister, he wouldn’t just say it’s too complicated, which is what he often said to his sister and mother,” former politician Joel Fitzgibbon said.

“But I am learning lots I didn’t know.

“People have made contact talking about how he was always the one who would stand up for them if they were being bullied.

“A lot of people have reached out to tell their story involving Jack, and the underlying theme is he never judged, he was always there for them, especially the females, he stood up for them,” added Grace.

“It has been somewhat overwhelming to hear all the stories.”

Joel and Jack Fitzgibbon on the golf course. Picture: Facebook

Jack’s sudden death is still raw for the Fitzgibbon family, however in a bid to look forward, they have been training to take part in the City to Surf fun run in his honour.

Around 150 of Jack’s friends and family will fly in from around Australia to complete the fundraiser this weekend.

So far, they’ve raised more than $60,000 for the Commando Welfare Trust, founded to support special forces soldiers and their families, and of 600 registered teams, they are currently the top fundraisers.

“We miss him every day and have good days and bad days,” said Grace.

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