The Jared Dunscombe Story

Who was Jared Dunscombe?

Defying the odds

At the age of just seven, Jared was hit by a car — sustaining life-threatening injuries, including to his brain. Doctors gave him no chance of survival and he spent three and a half weeks in a coma. They said he would never walk or talk again.

Jared not only survived, but lived a remarkable life – he finished school, went to university, started a retail sports store and trekked the Kokoda Trail — to name just a few achievements.

Jared’s charity work

Jared supported many local charity and community groups, including a group called TRAG – Teenagers Road Accident Group – which saw him visiting schools and speaking to Year 12 students about the dangers of modern driving. Jared was also a member of the Casey Concert Band as a trumpeter, where he was the band’s longest serving member.

Jared was chosen to take part in the Queens Baton Relay in the lead up to the 2006 Commonwealth Games, aged 24. At the time, he said he hoped his story and his run with the baton showed people they could overcome obstacles and achieve success.

In an unbelievable tragedy, Jared was killed on 22nd February 2013, aged 31, when he fell from his bike while taking part in a charity cycling event and was struck by a truck and trailer travelling in the same direction. Jared loved riding his bike and he was taking part in his second Rotary Ride to Conference charity bike ride. The ride raised $66,000 for three Rotary projects.

A lasting legacy

Since his passing, Jared has been awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary District 9820. This is one of Rotary’s highest awards and was awarded for Jared’s contribution to the community.

All who knew Jared remember his big smile, his loving personality and his zest for life. He always went out of his way to help others. He was determined, courageous and an inspiration to all who knew him.

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