Cromwell’s Lochie Win is leaping onto his skis for a 12 hour endurance skiing challenge for the Cancer Society and he’s calling on people to step up and support him.

The challenge will take place at Coronet Peak this Friday (August 12) from 8am. Fifteen teams of four skiers or snowboarders will hit the slopes for those affected by cancer by skiing or snowboarding non-stop for either 12 or seven hours.

The forecast for Friday looks “really good” and “good snow conditions” should stick around in this cooler weather pattern, Luke Win (Lochie’s Dad) said.

Lochie’s mother Rebecca was diagnosed with adrenal cancer in 2018 and the Cancer Society was a huge support to Lochie and Luke and their broader family. 

When asked what motivated the pair to undertake a huge challenge - their third year of fundraising for the charity - Luke said “we’re just doing our thing”.

“We’re trying to help and give back a bit. The Cancer Society do an awesome job. They rely on donations from around the country.

“They cater for so much… support for people, medical teams doing research, and the daffodil houses around New Zealand.”

Luke said Lochie was a “special kid” who has taught him more about himself than he has learnt his whole life.

“When Lochie was four years old, I remember walking into a supermarket and I had a bit of a panic attack… he was with me and I thought ‘this is my life now’,” Luke said.

He couldn't find anything he wanted or needed in the supermarket as Lochie’s mum had always done the shopping.

“To anyone else who might be going through it… I [know] I felt terribly alone.”

The Wins said they feel really honoured to hear the stories of many families battling cancer and it keeps them motivated to raise awareness.

“[If] you give a wee bit of time to do something; it’s [surprising] how much of a positive change you can make.”

The idea for the challenge grew out of a father and son brainstorming session last year when the pair travelled around New Zealand in a campervan to ski every ski field. 

In his first year of fundraising Lochie skied for 40 days (which began because of Cardrona’s 40th birthday) and he hit $10,000 for the Cancer Society. 

Luke’s advice for the 12 hour challenge was to stay hydrated and have plenty of food.

“It will be a case of slow and steady wins the race.”

Several local businesses have donated services to the challenge this year.

Oliver Bylett from Cromwell’s Remark Imagery built a website for Luke and Lochie free of charge.

Tim and Kelly Coughlan from BDO Alexandra have worked to set up a registered charity and business trust account for the Wins, also at no cost.

Luke said this “fantastic local” support will set their fundraising up for the future as they’ll use the same website for next year's challenge and businesses can claim a portion of their donation back for tax purposes thanks to BDO’s accounting contribution.

It’s not too late to sign up to enter, find out more about the fundraiser here.

Watch the video about Lochie’s fundraising challenge here.

Along with the non-stop skiing on Friday there will be team challenges throughout the day, encouraging entrants to interact with others on the ski field to raise awareness of the work of the Cancer Society.

Are you taking part in the 12 hour challenge? Do you have a cancer story to share? Let our reporters know [email protected]