Your Stories - Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter | Philips Search and Rescue Trust

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Jul 26, 2016

I felt I was given a second chance

Maricel Tagle hit the ground and was knocked unconscious when riding her farm bike at work.

Jul 24, 2016

The Christmas past that almost stole the present

As Debbie Needler gathers her family around the Christmas tree this year to exchange presents, she will have the sure conviction that there is something to celebrate.