'It was either get sober or end up dying': Jacob's walk through darkness
Last Christmas was a distressing time for Wallsend's Jacob Jones.
Mr Jones, 24, self-harmed on Christmas Eve and was taken to the Mater.
He then spent six days in John Hunter Hospital.
"We used to have big family Christmases before my nan passed away when I was young around Christmas time," he said.
"It's a rough time of year. Something triggered me that night."
Mr Jones had been struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.
"Since that night, I haven't had a drink or touched drugs," he said.
In March, he climbed Mount Kosciuszko to mark three months' sober.
"I wanted to be the highest person in Australia without drugs," he said.
On June 13, Jacob will walk 100 kilometres in 24 hours to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute.
His odyssey, listed on GoFundMe, is titled "Walking Through the Darkness with Jonesy".
The route will cover Dungog, Paterson, Maitland, Newcastle, Merewether and Wallsend.
He said the walk marked a new chapter of "speaking up instead of shutting down".
He was doing the walk for "myself and every man who's ever felt like there's no way out".
"Men don't talk enough. We're taught to be strong, to keep it in and deal with things quietly.
"But the cost of silence is too high. I've seen it and lived it. I'm walking to change it."
Mr Jones had lived in a culture of drug and alcohol abuse.
"I recently went to a wedding and stayed sober. When I got home, I reflected on that.
"I felt angry at myself for abusing drugs and alcohol and going too far as a younger person."
He had to rule them out for life.
"I can't do it socially or mildly. It's either zero or 100. It was either get sober or end up dying."
He was now feeling "much better and stronger".
"This year has been a big change," he said.
"Exercise is a massive part of it. If I don't train every day, I get lazy, my diet goes out the window, and I start thinking about going to the pub."
His partner of seven years, Samantha, has been a big help.
"She's been through the thick of it," he said.
"If I didn't have her with me, I probably would have been dead or in jail by now."
This year, he began to see a psychologist to talk through his mental challenges.
"It really helped," he said.
He said the walk was for "mates who smile on the outside while struggling on the inside".
"It's for the brothers, fathers, sons and friends who think they have to go it alone.
"Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness."
He'll be walking through "pain and fatigue".
"With every step, I'll carry hope. You need hope and inspiration in your life.
"Hope is the opposite of all the negativity. It keeps people going.
"It doesn't matter if you're black or white, rich or poor, live in the country or city, everyone needs hope."
The idea for the walk came to him while "laying in bed the other night".
"It just came to my mind - 100 kilometres in 24 hours".
Last Christmas was a distressing time for Wallsend's Jacob Jones.
Mr Jones, 24, self-harmed on Christmas Eve and was taken to the Mater.
He then spent six days in John Hunter Hospital.
"We used to have big family Christmases before my nan passed away when I was young around Christmas time," he said.
"It's a rough time of year. Something triggered me that night."
Mr Jones had been struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.
"Since that night, I haven't had a drink or touched drugs," he said.
In March, he climbed Mount Kosciuszko to mark three months' sober.
"I wanted to be the highest person in Australia without drugs," he said.
On June 13, Jacob will walk 100 kilometres in 24 hours to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute.
His odyssey, listed on GoFundMe, is titled "Walking Through the Darkness with Jonesy".
The route will cover Dungog, Paterson, Maitland, Newcastle, Merewether and Wallsend.
He said the walk marked a new chapter of "speaking up instead of shutting down".
He was doing the walk for "myself and every man who's ever felt like there's no way out".
"Men don't talk enough. We're taught to be strong, to keep it in and deal with things quietly.
"But the cost of silence is too high. I've seen it and lived it. I'm walking to change it."
Mr Jones had lived in a culture of drug and alcohol abuse.
"I recently went to a wedding and stayed sober. When I got home, I reflected on that.
"I felt angry at myself for abusing drugs and alcohol and going too far as a younger person."
He had to rule them out for life.
"I can't do it socially or mildly. It's either zero or 100. It was either get sober or end up dying."
He was now feeling "much better and stronger".
"This year has been a big change," he said.
"Exercise is a massive part of it. If I don't train every day, I get lazy, my diet goes out the window, and I start thinking about going to the pub."
His partner of seven years, Samantha, has been a big help.
"She's been through the thick of it," he said.
"If I didn't have her with me, I probably would have been dead or in jail by now."
This year, he began to see a psychologist to talk through his mental challenges.
"It really helped," he said.
He said the walk was for "mates who smile on the outside while struggling on the inside".
"It's for the brothers, fathers, sons and friends who think they have to go it alone.
"Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness."
He'll be walking through "pain and fatigue".
"With every step, I'll carry hope. You need hope and inspiration in your life.
"Hope is the opposite of all the negativity. It keeps people going.
"It doesn't matter if you're black or white, rich or poor, live in the country or city, everyone needs hope."
The idea for the walk came to him while "laying in bed the other night".
"It just came to my mind - 100 kilometres in 24 hours".
Last Christmas was a distressing time for Wallsend's Jacob Jones.
Mr Jones, 24, self-harmed on Christmas Eve and was taken to the Mater.
He then spent six days in John Hunter Hospital.
"We used to have big family Christmases before my nan passed away when I was young around Christmas time," he said.
"It's a rough time of year. Something triggered me that night."
Mr Jones had been struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.
"Since that night, I haven't had a drink or touched drugs," he said.
In March, he climbed Mount Kosciuszko to mark three months' sober.
"I wanted to be the highest person in Australia without drugs," he said.
On June 13, Jacob will walk 100 kilometres in 24 hours to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute.
His odyssey, listed on GoFundMe, is titled "Walking Through the Darkness with Jonesy".
The route will cover Dungog, Paterson, Maitland, Newcastle, Merewether and Wallsend.
He said the walk marked a new chapter of "speaking up instead of shutting down".
He was doing the walk for "myself and every man who's ever felt like there's no way out".
"Men don't talk enough. We're taught to be strong, to keep it in and deal with things quietly.
"But the cost of silence is too high. I've seen it and lived it. I'm walking to change it."
Mr Jones had lived in a culture of drug and alcohol abuse.
"I recently went to a wedding and stayed sober. When I got home, I reflected on that.
"I felt angry at myself for abusing drugs and alcohol and going too far as a younger person."
He had to rule them out for life.
"I can't do it socially or mildly. It's either zero or 100. It was either get sober or end up dying."
He was now feeling "much better and stronger".
"This year has been a big change," he said.
"Exercise is a massive part of it. If I don't train every day, I get lazy, my diet goes out the window, and I start thinking about going to the pub."
His partner of seven years, Samantha, has been a big help.
"She's been through the thick of it," he said.
"If I didn't have her with me, I probably would have been dead or in jail by now."
This year, he began to see a psychologist to talk through his mental challenges.
"It really helped," he said.
He said the walk was for "mates who smile on the outside while struggling on the inside".
"It's for the brothers, fathers, sons and friends who think they have to go it alone.
"Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness."
He'll be walking through "pain and fatigue".
"With every step, I'll carry hope. You need hope and inspiration in your life.
"Hope is the opposite of all the negativity. It keeps people going.
"It doesn't matter if you're black or white, rich or poor, live in the country or city, everyone needs hope."
The idea for the walk came to him while "laying in bed the other night".
"It just came to my mind - 100 kilometres in 24 hours".
Last Christmas was a distressing time for Wallsend's Jacob Jones.
Mr Jones, 24, self-harmed on Christmas Eve and was taken to the Mater.
He then spent six days in John Hunter Hospital.
"We used to have big family Christmases before my nan passed away when I was young around Christmas time," he said.
"It's a rough time of year. Something triggered me that night."
Mr Jones had been struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.
"Since that night, I haven't had a drink or touched drugs," he said.
In March, he climbed Mount Kosciuszko to mark three months' sober.
"I wanted to be the highest person in Australia without drugs," he said.
On June 13, Jacob will walk 100 kilometres in 24 hours to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute.
His odyssey, listed on GoFundMe, is titled "Walking Through the Darkness with Jonesy".
The route will cover Dungog, Paterson, Maitland, Newcastle, Merewether and Wallsend.
He said the walk marked a new chapter of "speaking up instead of shutting down".
He was doing the walk for "myself and every man who's ever felt like there's no way out".
"Men don't talk enough. We're taught to be strong, to keep it in and deal with things quietly.
"But the cost of silence is too high. I've seen it and lived it. I'm walking to change it."
Mr Jones had lived in a culture of drug and alcohol abuse.
"I recently went to a wedding and stayed sober. When I got home, I reflected on that.
"I felt angry at myself for abusing drugs and alcohol and going too far as a younger person."
He had to rule them out for life.
"I can't do it socially or mildly. It's either zero or 100. It was either get sober or end up dying."
He was now feeling "much better and stronger".
"This year has been a big change," he said.
"Exercise is a massive part of it. If I don't train every day, I get lazy, my diet goes out the window, and I start thinking about going to the pub."
His partner of seven years, Samantha, has been a big help.
"She's been through the thick of it," he said.
"If I didn't have her with me, I probably would have been dead or in jail by now."
This year, he began to see a psychologist to talk through his mental challenges.
"It really helped," he said.
He said the walk was for "mates who smile on the outside while struggling on the inside".
"It's for the brothers, fathers, sons and friends who think they have to go it alone.
"Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness."
He'll be walking through "pain and fatigue".
"With every step, I'll carry hope. You need hope and inspiration in your life.
"Hope is the opposite of all the negativity. It keeps people going.
"It doesn't matter if you're black or white, rich or poor, live in the country or city, everyone needs hope."
The idea for the walk came to him while "laying in bed the other night".
"It just came to my mind - 100 kilometres in 24 hours".
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"It'll be at least a six-hour surgery to try to remove as much as they can." She is in good spirits and "keeping everyone entertained", as she prepares for the fight of her life. "We have a long road to recovery ahead after surgery," Rob said. Aunt Erin Healey started a GoFundMe, titled "Macey Rashleigh and family", to help ease the family's financial burden. "Watching the pain her parents are going through is a pain I wish upon no one," Erin said. "We would like to make life a little less stressful by helping to ease the financial burden, so her parents can be by her side through the healing process instead of going to work." Erin did not want them to have to "worry about how to pay the rent and other costs associated with this condition". Macey has been in hospital for more than a week, after an MRI revealed the tumour. "It came out of left field. You'd meet her and think there's nothing wrong with her," Rob said. "She's an aspiring gymnast. Her goal is to be in the Olympics." Macey, a pupil at Wiripaang Public School in Gateshead, was diagnosed with one-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy this year. "Basically, the left side of her body is a bit weaker. That doesn't stop her from being in the gym," Rob said. "It's technically a disability, but she trains hard to grow her strength and technical ability." The tumour may have caused cerebral palsy-like symptoms, which she's had for a long time. Removing the tumour may help reverse them. "It's been ongoing since she was very young. When she started to learn to walk, she was walking into walls," Rob said. The family moved from Melbourne to Newcastle at the end of last year. "At first, they thought she had hip problems. The Victorian health system let us down," Rob said. "It wasn't until we got here to Newcastle that she was diagnosed. Straight away, they said she has cerebral palsy." Doctors ordered a brain scan to "see if they could find any scarring or lesions". "That's how this tumour was found. They're pretty confident it's not cancer, but won't know until they go in there to remove it. "A week after they remove it, they'll know what it is." Rob says Macey has "a very memorable personality". "All the nurses have been fighting over who gets to look after her," he said. "She makes friends with everyone she finds, and she's a very compassionate person. "She'll compliment you on your appearance and the way you dress. She's definitely not your typical nine-year-old." He attributed Macey's bubbly personality to her mum, Tiffany. "They are very similar. She's a very positive person who sees the best in everything," he said. Macey Rashleigh is so bubbly, the nurses at John Hunter Hospital have been "fighting" over who gets to look after her. Macey, 9, is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday to remove "a very large brain tumour", her dad, Rob Rashleigh, said. "It'll be at least a six-hour surgery to try to remove as much as they can." She is in good spirits and "keeping everyone entertained", as she prepares for the fight of her life. "We have a long road to recovery ahead after surgery," Rob said. Aunt Erin Healey started a GoFundMe, titled "Macey Rashleigh and family", to help ease the family's financial burden. "Watching the pain her parents are going through is a pain I wish upon no one," Erin said. "We would like to make life a little less stressful by helping to ease the financial burden, so her parents can be by her side through the healing process instead of going to work." Erin did not want them to have to "worry about how to pay the rent and other costs associated with this condition". Macey has been in hospital for more than a week, after an MRI revealed the tumour. "It came out of left field. You'd meet her and think there's nothing wrong with her," Rob said. "She's an aspiring gymnast. Her goal is to be in the Olympics." Macey, a pupil at Wiripaang Public School in Gateshead, was diagnosed with one-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy this year. "Basically, the left side of her body is a bit weaker. That doesn't stop her from being in the gym," Rob said. "It's technically a disability, but she trains hard to grow her strength and technical ability." The tumour may have caused cerebral palsy-like symptoms, which she's had for a long time. Removing the tumour may help reverse them. "It's been ongoing since she was very young. When she started to learn to walk, she was walking into walls," Rob said. The family moved from Melbourne to Newcastle at the end of last year. "At first, they thought she had hip problems. The Victorian health system let us down," Rob said. "It wasn't until we got here to Newcastle that she was diagnosed. Straight away, they said she has cerebral palsy." Doctors ordered a brain scan to "see if they could find any scarring or lesions". "That's how this tumour was found. They're pretty confident it's not cancer, but won't know until they go in there to remove it. "A week after they remove it, they'll know what it is." Rob says Macey has "a very memorable personality". "All the nurses have been fighting over who gets to look after her," he said. "She makes friends with everyone she finds, and she's a very compassionate person. "She'll compliment you on your appearance and the way you dress. She's definitely not your typical nine-year-old." He attributed Macey's bubbly personality to her mum, Tiffany. "They are very similar. She's a very positive person who sees the best in everything," he said.
7NEWS
3 days ago
- 7NEWS
New winter fire safety warning as Sydney couple faces rebuild after blaze destroys home
A mother who dragged her husband to safety from a devastating blaze — which has sparked new warnings over fire safety — is a 'brave' woman who 'won't ever back down,' according to their son. Maria Charalambous, 68, was taking a shower early Friday morning when a fire broke out in the bedroom where her husband Nick, 82, was sleeping. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Bonnyrigg bungalow destroyed by fire. 'I pulled his legs. I said, 'Come on, wake up, wake up, there is a fire,'' Maria recalled. Authorities say the situation could have turned into an 'absolute tragedy' if Maria had not been awake at the time, as the fire spread rapidly throughout the home. Their son, Nikos, said he was in shock but not surprised by his mother's heroic actions at the Bonnyrigg Heights property in Sydney, where the couple has lived for more than 30 years. 'She's a small lady, but she's so brave,' he told 'She's tough. She won't ever back down. I'm really proud of her.' The blaze is believed to have been caused by an electric heater plugged into a wall outlet. Nick had left the heater running overnight to keep their dogs warm. Four of the couple's beloved dogs managed to escape, but tragically, three were lost in the fire. No smoke alarm sounded, as it had been turned off. Flames completely destroyed the family home, along with irreplaceable memories — including photographs, videos, and other treasured possessions. 'Everything was just gone in a second,' Nikos said. 'My parents are going back to the house every day, trying to salvage what they can. They're trying to keep busy. There's no set plan at the moment.' In another heartbreaking blow, the couple had recently cancelled their home insurance as a cost-saving measure. Nikos hopes his parents' ordeal serves as a warning to others. 'When you hear stories like this, you never think it will happen to you — but it can,' he said. He also condemned the 'disgusting' online trolls who have targeted his family in the wake of the tragedy. Fortunately, his parents are not on social media and have been shielded from most of the negativity. 'It's so sad that my parents are in this position,' he said. 'They've just lost their home — something they've worked their whole lives for. The cruel comments are not needed. We wouldn't wish this on anyone.' Nikos has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help his parents get back on their feet. Winter warning Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said there has been a rise in dangerous fires as winter sets in — prompting renewed warnings. He stressed the importance of keeping electric heaters at least one metre away from flammable objects and recommended switching them off overnight. 'The first line of defence in an emergency is a smoke alarm that is less than 10 years old,' Dewberry told He added that in nearly half of house fire emergencies, smoke alarms are either non-compliant or not installed correctly. 'Know the risks. Don't overload power boards, test electric blankets, be careful with heat packs, and don't leave food unattended on stovetops,' he said. NSW authorities have also issued a separate warning about the dangers of hot foods and liquids, particularly for children. In 2024, more than 400 children required specialised medical care for scalds caused by accidental spills. An additional 48 children suffered contact burns from hot surfaces like stoves, cooktops, and barbecues. 'It's crucial to remember that hot food and drinks, which may feel safe for an adult, can cause serious burns to a child,' said Torey Lawrence, head of burns at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. 'Children's skin is much thinner than adults', and even a small amount of hot liquid can result in deep, severe burns. 'Burns injuries can cause both life-long injuries and scarring. These can have a lasting impact on a child's physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing.' What to do if someone is burned
