After losing their son in a tragic off-road vehicle accident, a prominent racing family in New Zealand has made the selfless decision to redirect all fundraising efforts towards supporting Emergency Services.
The family, known for their involvement in high-profile racing events, experienced the heartbreaking loss when 10-year-old Jimmy Schick passed away after the incident on May 11 during a hunting trip on their estate near Cambridge, located in the North Island of the country.
His father, Rodney, suffered critical injuries in the accident but is said to be in a stable condition.
Jimmy’s older brother Oli, 12, also suffered injuries, but is reportedly ‘recovering well’ in a children’s ward.
A third child, understood to be a friend of the family, was also involved in the incident and was expected to be discharged from hospital.
In the midst of their grief over Jimmy’s death, the Schick family has chosen to allocate all funds collected on the Give a Little fundraising platform to Emergency Services, the first responders who were on the scene immediately after the accident occurred.
The Schick family announced their son Jimmy, aged 10, (pictured) died following an off-road vehicle incident in New Zealand
Jimmy Schick (centre) pictured with his father Rodney (right) and brother Oli (left) were said to be out hunting on the Schick family’s land when the accident took place on May 11
Funds raised will be shared between the Cambridge Fire Brigade, Hato Hone St John and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust.
At the time of writing, over $214,000 has been raised from over 1800 generous donors.
Meanwhile, Fire Brigade chief Dennis Hunt believes the six-seater ATV that the group were driving rolled on its side during the fatal hunting trip.
The group were subsequently airlifted to hospital for further treatment.
‘In incredibly sad circumstances, the family kindly asks for privacy as they come to terms with the devastating loss of their dearly loved Jimmy,’ a Schick family spokesperson said in a statement published on Facebook.
‘The Schick family and Windsor Park team express their sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love, support and concern during this most difficult of times.
‘Rodney is receiving the best possible care from the dedicated team in the Intensive Care Unit at Waikato Hospital and further updates will be shared as information becomes available.
‘He is in a stable condition with a long recovery expected. Oli is recovering well with support from the amazing team in the children’s ward.’
Jimmy (pictured) had attended the Kaipaki School in Ōhaupō, and was described by his principal, Kim Budd, and board of trustee member Lisette Balsom as a ‘much loved student’
The Schick family are widely regarded as royalty within racing circles.
The family’s stable, Windsor Park Stud, is also admired as one of the southern hemisphere’s most respected breeding organisations.
They have bred some of the finest horses in the business, including the former Aidan O’Brien-trained Auguste Rodin, Paddington and Circus Maximus.
Jimmy attended the Kaipaki School in Ōhaupō, and was described by his principal, Kim Budd and board of trustee member Lisette Balsom as a ‘much loved student’.
In a statement released to Stuff, they said: ‘Our thoughts are with their whānau during this time of profound loss, including with other family members who are injured.’
Racing NZ Thoroughbred also released a statement passing on their condolences to the family.
‘Although we compete vigorously with each other no matter what part of our industry, we are still the racing family,’ the statement read.
‘Our thoughts and prayers for you Jimmy, a Hall of Famer in the Lord’s house now.’
