Your Stories

Do you have a story to share?

Patients and donors are at the heart of everything we do. Your stories are a powerful testament to human strength, courage, vulnerability, and hope.

Your stories inspire others and bring awareness to the lifesaving work undertaken by the highly skilled personnel onboard the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter, who are saving lives every day.

If you have experienced our service or held a fundraising event or activity for your rescue helicopter, we’d love for you to share it with us. Click here to share your story.

Sep 3, 2024

Your incredible support helped save Geoff’s life

Thanks to generous kind-hearted people like you, Geoff was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in the nick of time. Geoff and his wife had no idea their world was about to turn upside down.

May 7, 2024

A Redwood Forest rescue - thanks to you!

On a beautiful Rotorua day, Jonty, a keen mountain biker, was enjoying the tracks and trails in the scenic Redwood Forest.

Feb 29, 2024

Rescued after a terrible mountain bike accident – thanks to you!

Jonty and his wife were cycling down the gorgeous Te Poaka trail in the Redwood Forest, when things took a nasty turn…

Jonty told us, “I got to about halfway down the trail when I lost control…

Sep 5, 2023

Rescue Helicopter Crew Rescues Tramper After Accident thanks to you

On a winter Sunday in early July, Heather from Tauranga embarked on a tramping adventure with her local tramping group. Their destination was Cashmores Clearing, following the Wharawhara River from the Wharawhara Rd end.

Sep 4, 2023

Alex has seen firsthand the life-saving work you make possible, and he’s determined to do his bit

While Alex has been on adventurous pursuits like trail running, watersports and sailing… he’s seen times when the lives of his colleagues, friends and family have depended on the services of a rescue helicopter.

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May 9, 2023

Alicia got the time-critical flight she needed thanks to you!

It was a grey rainy day in October 2022, when Alicia found herself in a terrifying situation at the Tepapa intersection between the Thermal Explorer Highway and State Highway 28, not far from her home…