“There was so much more for her to achieve”: Selfless mum remembered for her heroic save
Mother and pioneer for the deaf community Leonie Jackson was enjoying time at the beach with her children when their day - and their lives - took a devastating turn for the worst.
When Leonie’s 10-year-old son, Byron, got caught in a rip at Congo Beach, the brave woman dove into the dangerous conditions to save him. She was successful in keeping his head above the water, but the same couldn’t be said for her.
The pair were brought to the shore by a surfer who was nearby, and CPR was performed on Leonie by paramedics at the scene. Tragically, they were unable to revive the 50-year-old.
A memorial service was held at the beach, with her loved ones paying tribute to her remarkable life and dedicated work for the deaf community. Leonie is survived by her two children: 12-year-old Byron and 15-year-old Tobian.
"It's just been shattering," Tony Abrahams told ABC. “It's just one of those events that completely upends lives and communities."
According to Tony, Leonie was only in the area to celebrate her 50th birthday for a few days with her friends.
“I’d never seen her happier than on the day she died,” he said. “Here is this beautiful place where we shared such a wonderful celebration. It's also the scene of the ultimate sacrifice of a mother swimming out and saving her son and keeping him afloat for several minutes that allowed him to get his breath and to be saved."
Alexander Jones - Leonie’s close friend and the father of her children - had similar words to share to the AAP (through an Auslan interpreter), explaining that ““Leonie made that decision because of her love for her children.
“She had to do that. There was no other choice to make.”
Leonie’s heroism has since been recognised, with the brave mother being awarded a posthumous medal for her actions that fateful day.
The awards are distributed each year to those who have demonstrated brave conduct, and recognise members of the community who face danger in pursuit of helping others. Leonie was one of 11 to receive a medal for her bravery, and was announced as a recipient by Governor-General David Hurley.
"The courage they showed is matched by their selflessness and they deserve our respect, gratitude and recognition,” Hurley said of the recipients.
“For the loved ones of those no longer with us - I hope that the posthumous acknowledgement of their bravery brings comfort. Their stories will not be forgotten.”
“It’s heartwarming to know that her act is recognised but I have to say, she would have gotten many more medals if she was still here,” Alexander admitted.
“There was so much more for her to achieve.”
Leonie had spent years advocating for the deaf community, dedicating her life to the fight for equality in education for deaf children, even establishing Australia’s very bilingual program for deaf and hearing children alike.
As Alexander explained, “Leonie was selfless her whole life.”
“She was such an impressive human being. She was creative. She was full of ideas. She was a trailblazer.”
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