Twelve brave local leaders will be putting their lives on the line and taking a leap of faith next month to help the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service continue their life-saving work in the region.
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The group of leaders from around the New England North West will be abseiling down a 10-storey high silo at B&W Rural in Moree on Sunday, June 18, as part of Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s Leap for Life to raise much-needed funds for the vital service.
The event is not only to challenge the leaders’ own fear of heights, but it’s a way for them to reflect on what it feels like to place their lives into someone else’s hands, similar to that of someone who has to watch a loved one be flown to urgent medical care.
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service events coordinator Jeff Galbraith said this is the first time they’ve run the Leaders Leap in the North West region.
“We invited specific people who are leaders in the community and we’ve set them a challenge to not only challenge their fears but to raise money for the service as well,” Mr Galbraith said.
“Everyone knows the importance of the service and everyone knows someone who has used it.”
The dozen leaders participating include Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Barwon Local Area Commander Superintendent Paul McDonald, Moree Plains Shire councillor John Tramby, B&W Rural owner Peter Birch, Kenway and Clark’s chief financial officer Gemille Hayes, Tait Toyota owner David Tait, NAB Moree’s Luke Bell, Moree Discount Drug Store owner Lia Mahoney, McDonalds Narrabri licensee Robert McAllister, GrainCorp Narrabri’s Rebeccah Shaw, Namoi Sustainable Energy director Lachlan Skinner and NSW Rugby Union development officer Garry Walsh.
Barwon LAC Superintendent Paul McDonald has an intense fear of heights, but said he’s willing to face his fears head on to raise money for this great cause.
“It’s a massive challenge for me but due to the cause, I couldn’t pass it up,” he said.
“It’s one of those things you hope you don’t have to use but is comforting to know it’s available should family and friends require it.”
Fellow leader, Narrabri McDonalds licensee Robert McAllister knows of many people who have needed the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, so he said he was more than happy to take on the challenge.
“I know a farmer from Narrabri that got hit by a four-wheel-drive while he was trail bike riding and needed the chopper,” he said.
“His family has used it four times.”
Each leader has a goal to raise $2,000 with the aim of raising a total $20,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Kenway and Clark’s Gemille Hayes has already surpassed the $2,000 mark, having so far raised an impressive $2,107 for the cause.
“This is a terrific opportunity for leaders to lead the way in fundraising efforts for a very important service,” she said.
“I have a small fear of heights, so the Leap for Life is a way to tackle my fear at the same time as giving back to the community.”
The whole community is invited to come down and support the leaders as they abseil down the B&W silos.
The event will kick off at 10am on Sunday, June 18 and will include entertainment and a breakfast put on by Moree Lions Club.
To support the individual leaders in their fundraising efforts, go to https://leadersleapmoree2017.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home.