Let's Help Gavin

Gavin Mason is an experienced paramedic, firefighter, lifeguard and DOC ranger. He currently works as a fire fighter at Queenstown airport. Away from work he can be found at home spending time with his young daughter Grace and partner Kristal.

In Dunedin hospital early this week Gavin was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease that happens rapidly and can affect autonomic nerves. So basically you go from fully fit and able to physically limited in a matter of days.The syndrome is rare, afflicting only about one person in 100,000. By the third week of the illness 90 percent of all patients are at their weakest.

It is highly likely Gavin will be in Dunedin hospital for a significant period of time.

With a resume like Gavin's its little wonder that he loves the outdoors. He has competed in many ultra distance sporting efforts including the Tour of Southland and the grueling Coast to Coast.

Gavin is very generous with his time, this year alone he has volunteered as a paramedic at events, such as the NZ Open golf open and Pioneer mountain bike race. Gavin has recently completed the Sky tower challenge, which raises funds for the Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand Foundation.

At this point in time, it would be great if we could all stand together and support Gavin and his family who live in Queenstown, through this tough time. He has given so much to the community over the years.