Kiwi Pilot - Help raise funds for former hostage Phillip Mehrtens
Help for the Kiwi pilot who was held hostage by rebel soldiers for 19.5 mths.
Christchurch, Canterbury
Phillip was taken hostage by rebel soldiers and held captive in West Papua for 19.5 months. We are so grateful for the kindness shown by everyone while Phil was in captivity and the outpouring of love and support since his release. But it's not over yet. It has been a very traumatic time for Phil and his wife and son, and it may take many months for them to re-establish their lives. His extended family want to raise enough money that Phil can take the time he needs to process the trauma and re-integrate back into ‘normal’ life. We hope that the shared kindness of many, can help soften the impact of this ordeal.
Chris Mehrtens' involvement (page creator)
I am Phillip's older brother.
Use of funds
General living expenses; food, rent, power, schooling, etc.
Latest update
Closing the page early thanks to your generosity 6 January 2025
Thank you, thank you, thank you. We have been so very grateful for everyone's generosity. Phil was overwhelmed and humbled by the amount donated, but incredibly grateful for it. Removing the financial pressure of having to generate an income has been instrumental in giving him and his family time and space to decompress, re-calibrate and re-integrate back into the 'real' world. He is doing remarkably well with his recovery from the ordeal and is hoping to not need any more funds, so asked us to close the page and pass on a huge thanks to you all. He would not be doing as well as he is without your very generous donations. Thank you.
Latest donations
Thank you, we really appreciate your generosity (and apologies for the delay in saying thank you).
Thank you, we really appreciate your very generous donation (and apologies for the delay in saying thank you).
Thank you, we are very appreciative of your donation (and apologies for the delay in saying thank you).
We really appreciate your donation, thank you (and apologies for the delay in saying thanks).
Thank you, we are very grateful for your donation (and apologies for the delay in saying thank you).
Who's involved?