Meet Our Teams

My name is Mat.

My daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of two in 2017.

Having this happen directly to our family and seeing the impact cancer has on other kids first hand was devastating.

Jumping onboard to challenge myself

and raise funds for lion hearts learning was a no brainer.

I’m looking forward to and am excited to be part of such an amazing event.

My name is Kylie Clancy “Clance” .

I am so excited to be a part of the River Murray Roar and raise some vital funds for LHL.

What an incredible organisation giving oncology kids and their families the opportunity to play, socialise, laugh, learn and enjoy all the things that kids should be doing in those pre school years.

When my cousins little girl Codee-Jo was diagnosed with leukaemia, isolation was often the norm whilst going through treatment.

Forever the optimists, opportunists, and with hearts the size of lions they founded LHL to create this beautiful safe and germ free space for Codee-Jo and all other kids and families in the same situation.

I love them, I love what they do and I LOVE what Lion Hearts Learning is providing families at a super challenging time of their lives.

Support Car Driver

Cancer sux in any form, but being so close to home. Codee-Jo is my niece. So I am more than happy to help in any way I can.

Having been apart of her journey over the last few years has shown me that fighting the cancer is one part of the challenges that come with it. Continuing to live life and prepare for the next stage of cancer free is more important than ever.

Helping Lion Hearts to give this to all who need it is a pleasure and joy. Seeing the happy faces with the fun and development that LHL gives makes the effort worthwhile.

I am looking forward to supporting the team and making sure that we are successful in getting all to Wellington.

When Codee-Jo was diagnosed with Leukaemia at age 2, it devastated her family and rocked the world around them; our daughter was the same age. 

Watching her go through treatment was one thing, but the denial of social contact for her and her family was next level. Because of LionHearts Learning, she integrated seamlessly with my daughter into mainstream school once she was able to.

I am skiing to raise funds and awareness, to help Lion Hearts Learning to continue creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn, play, be social and grow. Without our support they simply can’t operate. 

Although I’ve been skiing most of my life, this will be a massive challenge; nothing compared to what cancer families face on a daily basis though. I’m excited to be part of the team!!

Lion Hearts Learning is very close to my Heart. My Sister in Law and Brother in Law founded LHL when their daughter, my niece, was diagnosed with leukaemia.

I am now proudly on the board for this charity and see first hand the amazing support and opportunity it gives kids and families during their cancer diagnosis and journey.

Waterskiing is a passion of mine and I look forward to this passion being able to help Lion Hearts Learning continue to provide this amazing support.

I had no hesitation in saying yes to this great idea for a fundraising cause.

My family is most important to me - witnessing the impact of cancer on my friend’s family was heart breaking. To help continue the Lion Hearts legacy for the kids by raising money is the least anyone can do.

Water skiing has been a life long passion - the idea to challenge ourselves and raise money for this cause will give this passion a new purpose in January.

I appreciate any contribution you can make to my effort, the event and this great charity.

I am a business owner of a small building company. Father to Brodie & Layla and husband to my beautiful wife Shelley.

My involvement began into cancer fundraising and support when I lost my older brother to cancer when he was just 23 years old.

Since then I’ve supported any kind of fundraising involved in cancer research and those affected by this horrible disease in any way possible.

This adventure will certainly be the pinnacle for myself and my family, as my brother was such a passionate water skier himself.

To support lion hearts learning is also something so close to my family as well.

Thanks for the opportunity.

RIP SPB

Ski On!

The founders of LHL are close friends of mine & I saw first hand how they dealt with the life changing reality that is your 2 year old having cancer. The strength and compassion they showed throughout this time was awe inspiring.

Skiing 560 kms in 3 days will be a huge challenge! But it's nothing compared with the challenges faced by them and so many other families every day.

These amazing friends of mine have done all the hard work setting up this invaluable resource for oncology kids. But germ-free, safe learning environments for kids with cancer don't just pay for themselves!

So please help me help these wonderful people by giving whatever you can. Thanks. goes here

Support Car Driver

I've been involved with waterskiing on the Murray for the last 50 years and more recently my life has been affected by cancer.

When this River Murray Roar crew was being assembled I happily volunteered my services to support the fund raising for LHL which supports the kids and families affected by cancer. goes here

My name is Kobi Ritson and I’m passionate about helping people who have been impacted by cancer.

My cousin, Codee-Jo was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and I’ve seen how much families go through during such a horrible time. But, from this, our organisation Lion Hearts Learning was formed and we now try and help as many people as we can.

Please help me to help others. If you can spare some $, please donate here.

Hi, I’m Riley, and I love all things water sports!

Feeling absolutely buzzed to be asked to be part of this awesome charity event!

Cancer hits everyone in some way, and I’ve sadly lost family and family friends to it as well. I’m always up for a challenge, but knowing we’re helping raise funds for kids and their families going through it makes me want to push even harder. That’s a massive part of why this mission means so much.

Can’t wait to get out on the water! Let’s go!

I am proud and grateful to be a part of the River Roar and join the amazing Ritson family and the Lion Hearts team for such a great cause.

The river and skiing has been in our families blood forever and the opportunity to complete this challenge and all that comes with it is truly something to be appreciated.

Coupled with being able to fund raise and support such a truly worthwhile cause and organisation we couldn't be anymore behind it if we tried!

The River Murray Roar means a chance to give something back to some kids and people that are doing it tough and need our help at some of the toughest times in their lives.

Hopefully we can raise some money to help out and push the research further to help as many people as possible.

I have been on the water at the river since I was a little kid and the Murray is in my blood. Now we get to have a cool challenge and the fun of ripping it up down the river on the skis with mates, let’s go!

Lion Hearts Learning is a great opportunity to give and help people and kids in need.  I have been involved with Lionhearts by donating at our school head shave event and raising money previously and think it is so worthwhile.

I love it on the Murray and can’t wait to hit this challenge and have some serious fun with the crew and mates, lets raise some money and have a cracking time.

Support Car Driver

I’m driving to support Lion Hearts Learning, a Children's Charity that supports children and families affected by cancer and other health issues that cause low immunity.

Skiing is something which has not be part of my life, in fact I have never stepped foot on a ski. Forming a team and attempting to ski 500km sounds exciting, but equally as terrifying knowing the work that needs to get done to get to the start line let alone completing the distance in 3 days!

Seeing first hand with my father in law losing his life to pancreatic cancer, and close friends in the workplace also falling ill to the disease, this challenge is nothing compared to those dealing with cancer. I have seen the amount of love and support needed to those involved and that’s why I want to help support and raise funds for LHL.

Having this opportunity to be part of such a wonderful cause, pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, setting a challenge and achieving this is the least I can do so please support me and my team and ultimately those who are doing tough in the battle against cancer!

G’day, I’m Franga.

I’ve been skiing on the river since I was a grommet and my family have had a house in Bowhill for over 25 years (my parents are now retired and live there!).

I jumped at this opportunity to not only do what I love doing, but to raise funds at the same time for a fantastic charity. With 3 kids of my own, it tears my heart out to imagine one of them was diagnosed with cancer. I really feel for those families affected by this terrible disease. I’m skiing with a group of legend blokes and although it’s going to be a challenge for us, we can’t wait to strap our skis on and hit the water! Please donate to our group and help us to help these families that are going through their battles!

Feeling super pumped to be asked to be involved with this amazing charity event.

Unfortunately cancer touches all of us in one way or another. I have lost friends and family to this awful disease.

I do love a challenge, but knowing we are helping others through this great charity makes it easier to push that bit more.

Can’t wait to get out on the water!

Hey all! I'm Mason,

From the days I started learning to walk, I've been on the water, skiing on anything that would float. I was fortunate enough to have grown up with family and friends to head up the river with and enjoy everything the river has to offer.

I was approached by the team to help this year after Kent's unfortunate injury, which has made him unable to participate. He has done a fantastic job fundraising and will be sadly missed. I look forward to being able to get out and take part in this awesome charity event on his behalf.

Cancer is a terrible thing in this world. The thought of what struggles some may encounter and have to deal with on a day by day basis is inspiring to me. The event will be tough and I can't wait to hit the water and push myself to some mental and physical limits in hope to understand from their perspective a bit of what it's like.

Cheers to raising awareness, any contribution helps. Looking forward to getting out there with these guys and giving it all we have got!

Boat Driver

My name is Jake (Youngest Crew Member).

Water Skiing has been a part of my life since I was 5 years old and to be asked to drive the boat for such a good course River Murray Roar there was no hesitation in saying yes!

I am driving the boat to raise money and awareness for cancer research – turning a passion for the water into a journey of hope and purpose.

So please help by donating money big or small every dollar counts.

Looking forward to getting out on the water.

Support Car Driver

My name is Jodie and unfortunately Cancer is a word I am all too familiar with.

Cancer has been a part of my life over many years. In primary school I watched my Mum beat Breast cancer.

As a teen my Nana with pancreatic cancer and as adult my Dad lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.

I have seen cancer at many stages of my life and the physical, emotional, financial and social effects of the disease it can bring to family and loved ones. Please support Lion Hearts learning, a charity providing much needed support to children impacted by cancer.

“Supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors, honoring the taken and never giving up! “

I love my wife and 2 awesome kids!

We run our own business, and life can get so busy doing this with two young kids. When this opportunity came up, I was stoked to jump on board, there is always time to help out other family’s being affected by cancer!

Can’t wait to get on the water, I love skiing, it will be tough going, but it’s for a great cause!!

Hi! I’m Tony, recently retired and permanently moved to the river from Alice Springs last year. Waterskiing has always been a passion of mine learning to ski at Elliott halfway between Alice and Darwin.

I had no hesitation in saying yes to this fundraising cause to help continue the Lion Hearts legacy for the kids by helping to raise money.

I appreciate any contribution you can make to my effort, the event and this great charity.

Hi, I’m Daniel Hughes

Husband, father of two, and small business owner. I’m proud to be part of the Two-Strokers, taking on the Murray River Roar to raise funds for those impacted by cancer.

This cause is close to my heart, and I’m excited to join a team that’s passionate about making a meaningful difference for children and families affected by cancer.

Hi all, My name is David. “My mates call me DC”

I’m a Dad to 3 amazing kids. My beautiful wife and I have been married now for 22 years.

My wife and I rarely get time away from the hustle & bustle of running our own business, so when asked if I could spare a few days & be involved in the River Murray Roar, I jumped at the chance. My Dad lost his battle with Cancer 8 years ago, so this cause is definitely something close to home & sadly I can relate to those left behind with the heartache.

I am really excited to be a part of the Roar and can’t wait for the day to come. Skiing 560km in 3 days sounds crazy, but I love a challenge. My team & I are all keen skiers, but personally I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s definitely going to be a massive physical challenge so I’m looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone & taking it on.

Most importantly, we are raising some much needed funds for Lion Hearts Learning. Please help me help this wonderful cause. Any donation, big or small will make a difference & is greatly appreciated!

I run my own air conditioning business and I’m a proud dad to a 9-year-old boy. I’ve only been skiing for about two years, so taking on this challenge is something exciting for me.

Getting involved with the River Murray Roar was a no-brainer, it’s a great cause and a great group of people. Cancer touches so many lives, and if I can do something to help, I’m all in.

After hearing from my teammates about how much fun they’ve had in the past, there was no way I was going to miss out this time!

I was first made aware of  Lion Hearts and the work they do at their gala event in 2025. My wife and I were touched by the stories and the strength of the families involved and in awe of the amazing opportunities Lion create for children with cancer.  I want to help ensure that Lion Heart continues to support families, allowing them to build a community, support each other and provide their little one with an outlet.

Our family absolutely love the river life so it was a no brainer for me to sign up and give it my all to raise funds to support the work Lion Hearts do. 

When the team first told me about this event it was a no brainer, having so many friends and families effected by cancer and the financial burden it puts on families is one of the hardest things for anyone to go through. Having 3 children of my own the thought of having to go through something like that would break me.

so given the opportunity to give back there was no hesitation, having grown up on the river as a kid and through my teenage years, it’s been 10 years since I last got the opportunity to get up to the river and have a go at skiing (something I never really did cos wakeboarding was way cooler) but I’m always up for a challenge and can’t wait to raise some money for much needed families.

I was first introduced to Lion Hearts Learning at a gala earlier this year where I learned a bit about  who they are and what they do. Their ability to bring hope, connection, and joy to children facing such tough battles is nothing short of incredible.

The passion and resilience of the families Lion Hearts supports truly struck a chord with me.

Somewhere between the inspiring stories, a few beers and some heavy coercion from my mate Craig, I somehow agreed to take the plunge (literally) and join this water ski challenge!

While I can’t promise Olympic-level water skiing, I can promise enthusiasm, effort, and probably a few unintentional splashes along the way — all in the name of raising funds for a fantastic cause. Here’s to supporting Lion Hearts Learning and helping them continue to make waves in the lives of families who need it most!

Hi, I’m Andy!

I’m taking part in the River Murray Roar — a water-skiing charity event supporting a great cause. I’ve never skied before, but I’m excited to give it a go and do my bit for a worthwhile charity. Wish me luck on (and hopefully not in) the water!

When Craig asked me to help raise funds for Lion Hearts Learning it was an easy yes.

The Murray River Roar is a great way to make a difference and help bring a little sunshine to those who need it the most.

I can only imagine what an average day is like for these families and I am keen to do what I can to help. Growing up we spent lots of days on the river so the fact that this ties in with one of my first loves is a huge bonus.

The easy part will be raising money. The hard part will be “can I stay up?”

Support Car Driver

I am really looking forward to supporting Team Bumblebee next year in the River Murray Roar!

I don't think there is a single person who has not been impacted by cancer. For me, I lost a very dear friend to cancer 15 years ago, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. A few years ago, my family had a cancer scare, but thankfully this was addressed and things seem to be ok. Sadley, there are many families that are not so fortunate. 

When the opportunity to be the support car driver came up, I said "this sounds great, count me in!"

I appreciate any contribution you can make to the team's efforts, the event, and this great charity making a difference for kids their families that have been impacted by cancer.

Safety Boat