Stephen Neville is living proof of how a father's love can lead him to do something a bit bizarre.
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The professional drummer, from Thurgoona, admitted he was “scared” after his idea of a 24-hour drum-off began to gain momentum.
Mr Neville will set-up his drum kit outside Blackline Music in Dean Street on September 30.
From noon, he will attempt to softly play along with various songs for an entire day.
He said, according to international rules, he is allowed a five-minute break every four hours, and 30 seconds between songs.
“Between coffee and breaks, I’m hoping I’ll be able to get through it,” Mr Neville said.
“I was thinking how I could use what I do and my skills to help fundraise for the van and this idea popped into my head.
“Now I’ve told people about it and started a Facebook event, word has got out – I’m scared.”
Mr Neville said it would be 24 hours well spent for his daughter Ruthie.
The seven-year-old was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months and cannot sit or crawl independently.
Mr Neville said he injured his back lifting her into their old car and needed to purchase a new one, suited to Ruthie's needs.
The family is raising money to pay the car off.
“We can’t afford for an injury to happen because I have to work,” Mr Neville said.
“Zoe and I both need to care for Ruthie too … that was the catalyst for buying the van – now it has a wheelchair accessible ramp so we don’t have to lift her.
“It’s safer for us and for Ruthie.”
Mr Neville has been a drummer for nearly 20 years and practises about two hours each day.
He said he might even take requests – for the right price.
“I won’t be smashing them wildly for 24 hours. I’ll need to play really subdued to last that long,” he said.
“It will be so worth it for Ruthie, I’ll have a little photo next to me to remember why I'm doing it – with that it will be easy.
“On Friday night, I'll play some more well-known stuff when people are out and about.
“There will be tins floating around and people can come down, have a listen and chuck in some money.
“I've had a bit of interest, our GoFundMe has raised over $2000 now, which is amazing .. even strangers have been donating – it’s pretty special and really heartwarming.
“We are also in process of trying to get corporate sponsors on board and getting the word out.”
For more information, facebook.com/Ruthies24hrDrumOff/?fref=ts.
