A DEVOTED uncle skied from Blanchetown to Loxton late last year to raise money for his sister’s son, Jock, who lives with cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Former Loxton resident Bryce Singh – who currently resides in Mount Macedon, Victoria – skied “through the lock” on Saturday, December 21, 2019, and raised more than $15,000 for his 19-month-old nephew through GoFundMe and donations.
“Living away from family is hard and I wanted to do something to help my sister out,” Mr Singh said.
“I couldn’t physically be there for her – as she’s still in Loxton – so I knew I had to do something.
“I grew up in Loxton and I love to ski so the idea of skiing across the river while raising money for Jock at the same time was perfect.”
Mr Singh said he was well supported on the day.
“I skied behind my dad’s boat, with my dad, Neville, driving and my friend Bernie being there too,” he said.
“It took about five and a half hours to get from Blanchetown to Loxton and it was quite challenging.
“I was very happy with my training but the conditions were unfavourable because it was very windy, which made it harder for me.
“We got there in one piece and by the end it was very rewarding.”
Mr Singh said the day’s celebrations were made possible with help from the community.
“When I arrived, we had an afternoon celebration, which was made possible by many local businesses,” he said.
“Donations from Nippy’s, Larry Signs, Country Bakehouse, Loxton Foodland, Hygienic Meats, Arnold Brothers and the Apex Club helped put on a great spread with lots of food and drinks.
“Through the GoFundMe page I made in the middle of last year for Jock, about $12,000 was raised.
“On the day, through the sales of food, drinks and raffles of donated goods from local businesses and families, we raised another $3000 for Jock.
“I also donated $1500 myself to CMV Australia.”
Jock’s mother, Jayne Meneghetti, described the gesture as “heart-warming”.
“Bryce came to me with the idea last July and it blew me away,” she said.
“More than 100 people gathered at Loxton’s Lions Park on the day to watch Bryce ski in with my dad.
“When we saw Bryce coming, there weren’t too many dry eyes.
“The feeling I got the minute I saw him was like nothing I’ve had before – it was amazing.”
Mrs Meneghetti said her eldest son, Harry, 3, “loved” watching his uncle and pop arrive at the park.
“Harry was so excited, he had a great day,” she said.
“My other brother came from Darwin and Harry had all his cousins there to play with.
“It was a truly special moment.”
Mrs Meneghetti thanked those who made the day possible.
“Many people came to support us and we were blessed with lots of donations from local businesses, clubs and community members,” she said.
“The silent raffle on the day was a success and overall it was a great afternoon of celebration.
“It was amazing to see people go to such lengths for our little Jock and we are extremely lucky to live in such a beautiful, comforting and supportive town.”