The Win family of Cromwell yesterday celebrated the end of two long, hard years by giving away $10,203.50.
The recipient was the Cancer Society, and the central figure in the donation was 6-year-old Lochie Win.
His mother Rebecca Win was diagnosed with a rare adrenal tumour when Lochie was 4 — the beginning of the family’s association with cancer and a long process of recovery for Mrs Win.
‘‘I’m not going to lie — I feel like we went to hell and back,’’ husband Luke Win said.
However, the family was delighted with the standard of care Mrs Win received and that led to Lochie’s venture into fundraising.
Although Mrs Win does not ski, Lochie and his father had set their sights on marking Cardrona’s 40th year, by skiing 40 days.
Yesterday, Lochie completed the 40 days, nine days before the season’s end.
He also completed 500 runs and 6500km on the road between home and the skifield, not to mention the 40 5.30am starts to get the best park and the best snow conditions.
As well as raising the money, Lochie’s skiing has improved greatly, a bit of a test for his father, his ‘‘pit crew’’.
The pair have also been looking after their own ski maintenance, creating a makeshift wax shop at home.
Mr Win said his biggest worry was that Lochie would be injured, and while he was knocked over once, he bounced straight back up again.
Lochie received two certificates from the society acknowledging him as a fundraising ‘‘superstar’’, and tonight he is guest speaker at the Cancer Society ball in Queenstown.
A tuxedo has been organised.
