What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Overcoming my nerves for a worthy cause in The Big Freeze in the Valley

Last weekend I took part in the Big Freeze in the Valley for Fight MND. When organiser Mark Houston first asked me a few weeks ago to join in the local annual fundraiser that brings awareness to motor neurone disease, I automatically said yes. But as the day drew near, I started to worry about sliding into that icy water. Yes, I’d watched the big national event at the MCG and followed the growing success of the plunge organised by Chapman Valley Football Club each year. Indeed, it’s a wonderful cause, but the thought of slipping down a slide into freezing water is certainly something I did not have on my bucket list. My nephews came up with my costume idea pretty quickly, but the two-week wait seemed like an eternity. The longer it went, the more apprehensive I became. And those around me were not helping one bit. “Gee, Pete, are you looking forward to the Big Freeze?” “It’ll be bloody cold hey.” “I hope you’ve got something pretty warm to jump into after.” “Better you than me, I reckon.” By the time the day came, I was so nervous, I tried not to think about it, but there was no escape. All through the broadcast of the football game beforehand, my co-commentator Glenn Barndon just wouldn’t shut up about it. “Peter is getting all set for the Big Freeze. He can’t wait to get on that slide,” he continued to spruik throughout the call. “Settle down Glenn,” I kept thinking. Eventually, the game finished, only an hour until the big show. “Let’s get this thing done,” I kept saying to myself. As soon as the players were out of the changerooms, I was in there, I couldn’t wait. “You’re pretty keen Pete,” Mark said with a wry smile. Soon, all 13 sliders were getting into their costumes and were ready. There was a big crowd at the game, but it had grown significantly in the last hour or so, making me even more nervous. We peered through the small windows of the changerooms. And Mark was stretching it out by auctioning some big items. But finally, we were on. Out strolled David Boon, the Hoff from Baywatch, Wonder Woman, characters from Toy Story and the Hangover movies, along with Barbie’s Ken. One by one they tumbled down the slide and into the ice bath to laughter and cheers. Then, it was my turn. The theme of the Addams Family bellowed out around the ground. The time had finally come for Uncle Fester to do his thing. I could hear people calling out as I ascended, and it was a quick rush down the slide and into the bath. It was all a quick blur, and as I started feeling the effects of the ice set in, I quickly jumped up and out onto the grass to applause and a flash of Barry Mitchell’s camera. It was over. Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed on Saturday (9am to noon) and Fiorenza on Sunday (10am to noon) on Radio MAMA