Sydney BMX Club raise funds for Ethan Stevens’ family at AusCycling BMX National Cup

“I think this story strikes at the heart of every BMX mum and dad”: Club to raise funds to support the family of Ethan Stevens, 13, a champion sportsperson who lost his battle to Leukaemia.

The Sydney BMX Club, which is hosting Rounds one and two of the AusCycling BMX National Cup on the weekend, has announced it will raise funds for the family of Moranbah teenager Ethan James Stevens.

The Australian BMX community has rallied to support the family of Moranbah’s Ethan James Stevens, 13, who tragically lost his battle to Leukaemia in March.

The Sydney BMX Club, which is hosting rounds one and two of the AusCycling BMX National Cup on the weekend, has announced it will raise funds for the Stevens family throughout the event.

“At Sydney BMX Club, we have a long-held tradition of raising money for various charities and causes, particularly when we hold major events,” the club wrote on Facebook.

“While over the years we have collected for many external groups, we have also focused on looking after our own and supporting families in their time of need.

“This year we will be collecting for a very special Queensland BMX family, the Stevens [family] of Moranbah, who lost their son and brother, Ethan at the tender age of 13 to a very aggressive and rare form of Blood Cancer.”

Ethan James Stevens.

The Sydney club recognised Ethan’s sporting talents, with a “very bright sporting future” in both in BMX and rugby league.

“He was previously 3A plated at the Bunbury National Championships in Western Australia in 2018 in his age group and followed it up with another 3A at the Shepparton National Championships in Victoria, the following year, 2019,” the post read.

“Ethan was also in the 2020 Broncos Elite Player Development Squad for 13-15 years and was also invited back for the 2021 season until his illness took hold.

“Although Ethan was obviously a champion sportsperson, he was first and foremost a fine young man from a champion family, to whom we now turn our attention.

“We hope that the money raised will go to making things that little bit better for Ethan’s younger brother, Jett, his mother, Kimberly and dad, Michael.”

The Sydney BMX Club announced funds raised at the AusCycling BMX National Cup on May 22 and 23 would go straight to supporting the family of Ethan (right), who lost his battle to Leukaemia in March, 2021.

The club will be taking a gold coin donation as people enter the car park on Saturday and Sunday, May 22 and 23, with all funds raised going straight to the Stevens family.

Ethan’s mum Kimberly shared her appreciation on the post, thanking the club for recognising their boy.

“Thank you Sydney BMX Club for remembering Ethan,” she said.

“He loved travelling for BMX and meeting other riders across Australia and he thrived on competition at these big race events, enjoying every second on the track.

“Though he saved his biggest smiles for the mates he made for life through racing.”

Others also immediately got behind the cause, encouraging others to support the family.

“I think this story strikes at the heart of every BMX mum and dad. Well done Sydney BMX on giving back to a BMX family,” Sarah Knight said.

“Such a beautiful gesture for an absolutely amazing boy and his amazing family,” Linda Martin said.

“This is amazing what Sydney BMX Club are doing. Well done. Let’s all get behind this great cause and help a family out,” Bridgett Reed wrote.

Sydney BMX Club will be requesting a gold coin donation as participants and spectators enter the car park and will have collection bins at the canteen in the car park area where people are encouraged to give whatever they can spare.

Anyone not attending the event can also donate to support the family by emailing the club at [e-mail] and ask for the bank details.