Standing on the roof of the Rydges Hotel, Port Macquarie, Town Green looks a long way down, but for 14 local leaders the ground seems even further away, as they prepare to abseil to solid ground on June 1.
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The leaders, a mix of business leaders and local personalities, have spent the last few months raising money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and taking about the vital work the service does in the community.
Richard McGovern, community liaison officer for the service, said the helicopter is a vital tool to help people particularly on the Mid North Coast.
“Our four helicopters complete on average eight critical missions on the Mid North Coast every week,” Mr McGovern said.
“Just last week a helicopter was called to Port Macquarie Base Hospital on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (May 24-26), and just last night (May 29) the helicopter performed seven missions across the state.”
While there is no question the helicopters are necessary, to ensure the free service continues they need constant funding assistance.
To help with this, a number of local leaders have decided to take up the challenge to raise vital funds for the cause culminating in an abseil of 80 feet.
Justin Boydell from Rydges Hotel, Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peta Pinson, HitFM’s Rachael Hart and Warrick Affleck from COMPASS Financial are just some of the leaders ready to take the leap, along with myself representing Port Macquarie News.
“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is a fantastic community resource which helps people when they most need it,” Cr Pinson said.
“I took up the challenge because it is just a worthy cause and the service is always needing more money to help when trouble strikes,” Mr Boydell said.
“I also think the challenge of facing your fears by abseiling down the tallest building in Port Macquarie is something I am excited about,” Ms Hart said.
“The fund raising aspect of the challenge is something that I have enjoyed getting out in the community to do,” Mr Affleck said.
Event sponsor, Ben Ismay from Shaw Gidley, said jumping on board was a personal decision.
“You never know when you might need the rescue helicopter and from personal experience I am so glad it exists,” Mr Ismay said.
To sponsor me click here, or to sponsor any of the other leapers click here.
