In May, 12-year-old Hugo died after living with a rare, aggressive cancer.

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Although Hugo had been sick for two and a half years, his parents Aaron and Sam Donaldson say Louis was too young to appreciate how ill his brother was until the last few days of his life. 'For Louis, Hugo’s death was a a quick, traumatic experience', says his dad Aaron. While grieving themselves, Sam and Aaron are doing everything they can to help Louis process their family’s loss.

'Louis has a big heart, and lots of empathy. Sometimes, he’ll play songs that remind him of Hugo, or look at photos. But sometimes, you need a bit of help. There’s a lot of things for him to unpack, and we don’t have the right skills to help him.'

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Kenzie's Gift is providing Louis with funded sessions with a child and adolescent psychotherapist.

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'Having that financial support to have Louis see a specialist will help him go through what he’s going through', Aaron says. 'We really want to set him up for a happy, healthy childhood and adulthood, not having to process that trauma later. We know how tough this journey is for us as adults to process. It's really important to have a charity that focuses on the siblings who at times are forgotten about.'

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Along with others up and down Aotearoa, Aaron is taking part in the winter plunge: jumping into the chilly waters near his home in Beachlands, Tāmaki Makaurau to raise money for a charity he says has been vital for Louis and his family.

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'We can't bring Hugo back, but we want to give Louis the best life that he deserves.'

Kia kaha Aaron, we’re with you as you brave the cold this winter.

Support Aaron's winter swims for grieving tamariki and rangatahi here.

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