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 Waikato Westpac 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, you have a story to tell, and we’d love for you to share it with us. Click here to share your story.
Dec 16, 2019
ROUTINE VISIT TO THE MIDWIFE SAVED THE LIFE OF 16 DAY OLD LACEY DOWNES
Born New Year’s Eve, precious baby Lacey entered 2019 as a healthy daughter to Gillian and Jordan Downes and little sister to Caleb. 16 days later Lacey was fighting for her life.
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Oct 30, 2018
Your donation enabled Hayley to be winched to safety
Seasoned hiker and Te Aroha GP, Hayley felt her friends were going a bit over the top when they insisted she pack spare, warm clothes for a short one-hour hike up Mt Te Aroha.
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Oct 30, 2018
David thanks you for winching him to safety
David Bodsworth will always remember ANZAC Day as the day an unidentified Australian surfer rushed to help him in his time of need.
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Oct 18, 2017
From fundraising to a life-saving flight
The Lile family, who farm on the outskirts of Te Awamutu, are proof of the old adage that one good turn deserves another.
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Oct 18, 2017
Thanks to you Gordon got his life-saving flight
Gordon Boyd was undergoing an operation in Rotorua Hospital when complications arose during the procedure.
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Nov 24, 2016
Your support saved Henry’s life
“Henry is in his second year studying Marine Science at Bay of Plenty polytechnic. On Monday 27 June he collapsed in the polytechnic carpark.
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