Hi, my name is Jayde James. I’m 14 years old, and I’m from Moree.

I’ve grown up here my whole life. I went to Moree Public School from Kindergarten to Year 6, and like a lot of country kids, I’ve learned early that if you want something - you have to work for it.

Nothing is handed to you.

Running is my passion. It’s where I feel strong. It’s where I feel like me.

But it hasn’t always been easy.

In 2024, I was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter.

There were days it hurt to run. Days I didn’t feel like I could keep up.

Days it nearly broke me.

But I didn’t stop.

I kept showing up. I kept training, I kept pushing - even when it hurt.

Because I have a dream.

I’ve now been given the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas, USA in September 2026 to compete in an elite Cross Country event, here I will represent my school and my home town.

For a 14-year-old girl from a small country town…

That’s everything.

This isn’t just a trip. This is years of hard work, early mornings, sore legs, and never giving up - finally leading somewhere.

But getting there isn’t easy.

Living in regional Australia means opportunities like this come with big costs. Travel, accommodation, competition fees, it all adds up.

That’s why I’m asking for your help.

Not just to get me to Vegas…

But to prove that kids from places like Moree can stand on the same start line as anyone.

I want to represent my town. I want to represent my school. I want to make my family proud and I want to see how far I can go.

If you can support me, thank you.

If you can share this, that means just as much.

Because this isn’t just my journey, This is Moree’s journey too.

Let’s take it to Vegas.

💛 Jayde