Five business leaders and one brave community leader took the leap on June 2, abseiling down Crowne Plaza, Terrigal, to raise funds for the Westpac Helicopter Service.
The event not only challenged their fear of heights, but was also an opportunity to reflect on the vital work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew, who regularly winch people to safety from the bush, ocean and hard to access isolated or remote locations.
The leaders were guided over the edge and throughout the challenge by a highly skilled team from Coal Services’ Mines Rescue, with the plunge taking place at 10am.
Sara Evans has experienced the services of the helicopter service first-hand.
Last November, she was one of three people onboard a helicopter which was forced to do a crash landing on Central Coast Hwy at Forresters Beach.
She was being flown with her husband to a birthday celebration with family and friends at a nearby venue.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter’s Critical Care Medical Team treated and stabilised her before she was flown to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment for serious neck and leg injuries.
Her husband and the male pilot sustained only minor injuries.
Now well and truly back on her feet, Evans, 40, was happy to take part in the event and made the leap alongside the pilot who flew the mission that saved her life, Mark Overton.
Also abseiling down Crowne Plaza were Daniel Mason of Chapman Fraser, Nicholle Shepherd of My Financial Advantage, Kardason Rawandzi of Making Foot Prints, chef Daniel Abou-Chedid and Rory Calbert of the Doylo Lifestyle Group.
Source:
Westpac Helicopter Service