Albany-raised Joel Jackson to set off on epic motorcycle ride for Telethon

Albany-raised musician and actor Joel Jackson is preparing to embark on an epic motorcycle adventure around WA to raise money for Telethon.

Father-and-son duo Weston and Joel Jackson will set off on The Lap: A Live Ride for Young Lives on September 10, a charity marathon that will span 10,000km over 45 days through more than 100 cities and towns.

It will feature fundraising events at live music venues, visits to local schools, special film screenings for children, and rides with community motorcycle clubs.

All funds raised will go directly to Telethon 2021.

With very little certainty around interstate travel, Joel and Weston will ride into some of WA’s tourism hotspots and most remote places.

The homegrown star said the idea for the ride came to him after watching Long Way Up, the latest instalment of Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boormans' motorcycle adventures.

“When deciding to make it a charity adventure for Telethon that was a no-brainer, we knew that every West Australian could get behind Telethon and their fight to save young lives,” he said.

“It would also make the harder moments all that more meaningful knowing we're pushing through for a great cause.”

Jackson said it felt “surreal” to be doing the colossal ride alongside his father.

“My dad is easily my best friend, my biggest confidant and we’ve had some pretty hairy adventures in our time, but something of this magnitude is so special,” he said.

“Knowing that it will just be my mum, Dad and I makes this a really epic adventure.

“It's my family, getting behind my wild idea, and doing something really special for families they've never met. I think at the very end of the adventure it might get fairly emotional.”

The pair will arrive in Albany on October 20 where they will visit Albany Primary School.

“I’m hoping that the wonderful kids can surprise us with maybe a performance or maybe their own fundraising challenge they want us to participate in,” he said.

“The school visits are a huge part of this adventure, it's about getting involved in the local community and creating an example of positive citizenship for our next generation.”

Jackson will also bring out his guitar for a live gig at Six Degrees on October 21 from 7:30pm. “The last two sessions at Six Degrees sold out and they were absolutely phenomenal audiences,” he said.

“Those nights are still really special to me, we brought the house down both times.

“I'm hoping on this occasion, with all ticket sales going to Telethon, we can make it even bigger and better.”

Their Albany schedule also incudes a special screening of H is for Happiness, a fundraising event at F45 Training Albany and possibly a ride with Albany Vintage Motorcycle Club.

If supporters can’t make it to events they can donate online.

“We're also encouraging local businesses, big or small, to pledge ahead,” Jackson said.

“Head to our website, fill out a donation pledge and we’ll come to collect your donation personally, highlighting your business’ contribution to the cause of helping young West Aussies in need.”

Jackson, a Logie award-winning actor best known for his role as Peter Allen, has beena volunteer at Telethon since 2015.

His 2020 collaboration with the Moorditj Mob of Wesley College was the biggest indigenous performance in Telethon history.

To donate, visit thelapwa.com.