Berry boys, friends honour Jedda
The lasting bond between five boys who grew up in Horsham’s Karingal Crescent is proof some friendships are made to stand the test of time and distance.
Referred to by the boys as ‘the best street in Horsham’, Karingal Crescent was a place of energy and excitement, of basketball games and kicking the footy after school ‘with 20 other kids all our age who were the best of mates’.
But for Horsham’s Berry boys – Joel, Jarrod and Thomas – Will Robertson and Ben Lakin, it was also a time of tragedy.
Jedda Berry was already battling breast cancer when she, her husband Troy and their three young sons moved to Horsham from Nhill.
A substitute teacher, she spent a lot of time at home, dedicating her life to raising her boys and offering a welcoming environment for their friends.
Will and Ben both recall spending the majority of summer holidays at the Berrys, referring to Jedda as a ‘second mum’ who often told them off for ‘doing stupid things’.
So, when she lost her battle with cancer in 2013, the impact was far-reaching.
Will said supporting each other through that tragic time brought the boys closer together.
Five years later, now aged between 18 and 22, the young men are spread out between Ballarat and Brisbane.
But they will all return home to Horsham next month for a special event – ‘Berry boys and brothers buzz cut for breast cancer’.
The boys will have their heads shaved at a public get-together at Horsham Basketball Stadium on October 6 to raise money for Breast Cancer Network Australia, BCNA.
Will – who has dreadlocks and last had a haircut about five years ago – said the event was their way to pay tribute to Jedda.
“We’d always wanted to do something, pretty much as soon as Jedda passed away,” he said.
“I kind of wanted a haircut, and July 31 marked five years since she passed, so it just worked out really well.
“We got the group together and it’s gone boom, really. It’s pretty incredible.”
The boys set themselves a fundraising target of $20,000, which they have already smashed.
Ben said the group planned to aim for $5000.
“We thought if we could raise $5000 it would be huge,” he said.
“Then we figured with our contacts, especially through Jarrod playing AFL for Brisbane, we decided to aim for $20,000. We thought even if we don’t reach it, if we get close we’ll be happy. originally
“To have over $30,000 already amazing.”
The fundraiser will start at 1pm, with the head shave between 4pm and 5pm.
The afternoon will include raffles and an auction, along with a question and answer session.
Will said the aim was to create awareness of breast cancer and the work of BCNA, which works to ensure every Australian diagnosed with breast cancer receives the best support, information, treatment and care.
“We’re not sure how many people is to expect,” he said. “Even with just our family and friends we’ll probably have 100 people, but now that we’ve got some Brissy boys coming it’s going to create some extra interest.”
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has thrown his support behind the fundraiser and will have his head shaved alongside the boys.
Ben said while he expected the event to be emotional, it would be a great send-off for Jedda.
“Jedda was very social. She was never a drinker but she loved hanging out with friends and having everyone around,” he said.
“I think she would have loved this. I think she’d have been pretty proud.”
Joel and Thomas both echoed Ben’s statement, with Joel emphasising the important role BCNA plays for so many women affected by breast cancer and their families.
“As we see it, if we can raise money for research and they find a way to prevent breast cancer, we can help stop other people going through what we have,” he said.
Unprepared
Joel was in year 12 when his mother died.
“Even though she was sick for so long, we still weren’t really prepared for it. I don’t know if you can ever prepare for something like that,” he said.
“It came as a big shock, even though we could see her deteriorate a bit more every day. Even though we were visiting her in hospital it was still quality time.
“She was very loving and caring – she had all the traits you could want in a mother.
“She was sick for a very long time, which took its toll, but it’s a credit to her the way she toughed it out and fought for so long.”
Joel said he and his brothers all dealt with Jedda’s death in different ways.
“Even though it happened a long time ago you never get over it,” he said.
“But we all helped each other through it and that is a credit to our dad and the way we were brought up.”
Joel said his father fully supported the fundraiser, although he was not keen to lose his hair.
Thomas said he might miss his locks, but knew he was contributing to an important cause.
“I was about 13 when mum died and that just left the four of us – dad and us boys,” he said.
“We got through the hardest of times with each other, which has created a very special bond that will never be broken.
“Mum would have loved what we’re all doing. Family and friends meant a lot to her and I think she would be very proud of us.”
• People who wish to donate to the fundraiser can attend the event on October 6 or donate online at https:// www.gofundme.com/5i15dr4.