Running for the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust

My name is Philip Barlow, in December 2022 I had a fall after summiting Taranaki Maunga. For those of you who know the route, we had been descending and were below the scree slope, on the stairs to the boulder garden above Tahurangi Lodge. Not a great place to lose your footing, if I'm being honest.

Thankfully, the fall was not severe, though I could not walk out without assistance. It was at this point we contacted emergency services and the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust evacuated me off the mountain.

I have spent the time since recovering from my injuries and in April 2024 ran the 10km event as part of the Auckland Waterfront Half Marathon and in 2025 I am planning to run the Half Marathon itself.

I am raising funds as a thank you to the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust.

The Trust is a charity that operates an emergency rescue helicopter service to the Taranaki regional community. This service is provided to the community free of charge, helping to look after the Taranaki area and those who attempt to summit Taranaki Maunga, on what is one of the top three routes in NZ by number of searches and rescues, according to the NZ Mountain Safety Council.

Please consider donating - Your support helps to maintain this vital service in a key outdoor adventure region of New Zealand. Donations of over $5 are also eligible for a New Zealand charitable giving tax credit.