The Wright Story

The Wright Story

Phil Wright is from Haast, a local, a good bugger and a very very private and proud man.

Phil has been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) (ALS) or (Lou Gehrigs Disease), a progressive and aggressive form of muscle deterioration, this disease has no cure.

Phil is a born and bred Westcoaster from a well respected Hari Hari family, Phil’s father passed away from this disease and he is the fifth out of seven siblings to be diagnosed, four of which are now deceased. It is a cruel and debilitating disease.

Phil is highly regarded in the New Zealand deer recovery industry, working in and around helicopters since the mid 70’s and has been highly sought after by most South Island companies for his skill and knowledge of live capture using net guns and pest eradication programs and the judas goat projects.

The Darwin Foundation in the Galapagos Islands hand picked a highly experienced team of kiwi pilots and shooters to eradicate goats on the islands that were severely destroying the flora and fauna and habitats for many of the islands wildlife, including the giant tortoise . Phil is extremely proud and privileged to have worked on this amazing project with some on the worlds best conservationists, Project Isabella is world renowned and Phil was instrumental in this successful outcome.

The Hunter Pilot series of books by pilot Steve Collins tell many a story of his and Phils experiences throughout the USA, Mexico and Canada helping wildlife experts with live captures of Moose and Wolves and Big Horned sheep, Phil is always described as a specialist and expert in his field, this has made him legendary in his wide circle of friends for his expertise, calm and cool head in difficult situations and the skills to master any aerial hunting project.

Unfortunately for Phil and his family, this cruel disease is and will rob him of the muscular strength that he requires for the job he so loves being involved with and because this is classed as a familial disease his life insurance will not pay out full insurance.

Phil and his wife Sheri have always stepped up to help friends and strangers in need and now we need to help them, they have four sons, the youngest two being 16 and 12 are still attending school away from home.

We are hosting this page to help meet some of the family’s needs with ongoing medical expenses, travel to specialist appointments and School related expenses, also a huge amount needs to be done to their family home to make it adequate for Phil’s ongoing needs.

Thankyou in advance

Tasha Jones and Tiana Morris(close friends of the Wright Family)