Annette rides for Westpac Chopper Appeal 2026

I never imagined that we would ever need the Westpac Chopper services, but on 2nd May 2022, life took an unexpected turn when Don had a serious road bike accident in Wanaka. The Westpac Chopper crew responded with incredible skill and compassion—they managed to land in a remarkably tight spot on the road, stabilized Don, and got him airborne to Dunedin Hospital.

Don sustained broken ribs, multiple punctures to a lung, a broken collar bone, and a severe concussion. The medical team at Dunedin ED and ICU told us that he was incredibly lucky to be alive. Without the swift intervention of the local St Johns Crew, and the Southern Lakes Westpac Chopper crew (who got him to the hospital before his lungs filled with blood) the outcome could have been very different. He simply would not have survived the journey by road.

This experience opened my eyes to how vital the Westpac Chopper service is. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but when you do, it makes all the difference. You never know when this lifesaving service will be needed for yourself, your family, or someone close to you. The Westpac Chopper is there for our community 24/7, but to keep those crews flying, they rely on support from people like us.

That’s why I’m reaching out to ask for your support. If you’re able, please consider making a donation—every contribution helps keep this essential service in the air for all of us.