NORTHLAND DOUBLE YOUR GIFT CELEBRATING 30 RESCUE HELICOPTER DONATIONS MATCHED Official sponsors will match public donations up to a maximum of $150,000 YEARS wwww.nest.org.nz fb.com/northland.rescuehelicopter Chopper story - my story The Northland Rescue Helicopters are phenomenal asset to the region one with when the midwife noticed that something many hard to reach rural locations, natura asn't right bush areas and huge industries such as forestry and boating, that add to the need for this service laughter or smiles moments after his birth Within a short space of time, experts were flown to Whangarei from Starship to run tests and take the newborn back to the specialist cardiac unit for children for his This service has been in operation for 30 years this year, and we know we will need it first of two surgeries. At one week old, he for many more I have avoided (so far) the need for an emergency flight but I am still affected by to specialist care in Auckland, this craz others that have needed their services had open heart surgery. A frightening time for any parent. Had he not been flown gorgeous toddler could have had a much different story Last year, my brother tragically passed way in a horrific motorbike crash north of Auckland. He had been out doing what he loved best - an afternoon ride on his Harley. He had all the safety gear but that didn't help in a head on collision with another motorbike rider And these are just two examples I know of There are hundreds more stories like this happening every year. That rider is alive today because of the care that they received from the Northland Rescue Choppers. While it was too late for my brother, I find solace in the fact that it didn't become a double fatality that day thanks to the service I have personal supported for years. I often hear the words "you never know when you might need it never a truer word spoken. My friend didn't go to hospital to birth her baby with the thought she wou later from the helipad. But she did So next time you drive past the hangar in Whangarei and notice its empty, or watch as a helicopter lands at a local hospital just take a moment to think of what life- ld be waving him off barely hours My friend has a beautiful healthy two-year- saving or life-altering story is unfolding at old son, who loves to get into everything - everything! Like the butter in the fridge or his mum's cosmetics. We have a good laugh at his adventures but there was no lfe-defining situation Donate. And help save a life. Help to create a positive story from what could be a tragic Official Rescue Helicopter Sponsors Northpower TOPENERGY Te Pun H i h i k o