When Luke Wills laces up his shoes for Up All Night 2026, he isn't just preparing to walk 42km through the night. He's honouring his son, Jacob, and keeping alive the legacy that cancer could never take away.
Luke first signed up to Up All Night 2022 whilst he and Jacob were 6 months into their stay at Ronald McDonald House WA following Jacob’s diagnosis of Neuroblastoma in May 2022.
On the day of Up All Night 2022, Jacob had an unexpected temperature spike, placing him in the oncology ward at Perth Children’s Hospital.
It was an exceptionally tough day for Luke, but he was determined to still take part and rally support for families like his, facing the toughest times of their lives.
"I went and did the walk and went straight back to the ward where I collapsed on the parent couch," says Luke.
Not long after in June 2023, after 376 nights spent at Ronald McDonald House WA, Jacob sadly lost his battle with cancer.
Cancer had won the battle and took Jacobs' life, but it did not take his light or his memory. So, we do Up All Night every year to remember Jacob and his amazing life, to support this great cause and raise awareness along the way.
What started as one dad’s tribute has grown into Jacob’s Squad; a team of family, friends, schoolmates, and community members who walk alongside him.
Together, they’ve raised more than $94,000 over the past two events, far surpassing anything Luke imagined possible.
“It just shows how many lives Jacob touched,” says Luke.
And without a doubt, Jacob’s confidence, kindness, and big heart continue to inspire.
I know that if he could have lived to tell the tale, he would be shouting from the rooftops for support for Ronald McDonald House WA.
Each year, Luke commits to Up All Night, to raise vital funds for Ronald McDonald House WA, and to ensure Jacob’s story continues to shine a light for others.
Every dollar raised, every kilometre walked, is part of Jacob’s legacy.
But Luke admits the journey hasn’t been straightforward.
“I didn't know it at the time, but I threw myself headfirst into doing this walk for Jacob and I ignored the internal and external noise of grief,” Luke shares.
“After the first walk, I didn't have that anymore and I had some real lows. It was time to face what had happened, face my grief and start processing it.”
Since then, he has come to realise that Up All Night is a gift to himself and to Jacob’s memory; a way to keep moving forward.
Up All Night has given me the opportunity to share our story; the good, the bad and the ugly. It gives me purpose for my physical health, and the space and time to process my grief, emotions and memories too.
Luke walks Up All Night each year with unwavering determination, transforming his loss into legacy as he raises much-needed funds to enable Ronald McDonald House WA to care for more WA families with sick kids.
One step, and one sleepless night at a time.
Register now for Up All Night 2026 and join Luke on Saturday, 21 March 2026 to walk 42km or 21km overnight to support WA families with sick kids.
