Courtney's Story:

On their way from Sydney to the family's Wollombi property in November 1997 Courtney Cruickshank, and her mum, Lyn, were involved in a horrific motor vehicle accident.

Courtney suffered severe head injuries and was lifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service to the John Hunter Hospital were she remained in a coma for two weeks before being transferred to the Prince of Wales Children's Hospital - where she spent four months in care.

Her parents, Peter and Lyn, believed that if it were not for the outstanding care of those in the emergency services then Courtney would not have been here and gone on to completing her studies and then graduating from University in education.

But in 2004/2005 Peter Cruickshank's top thoroughbred, Court In Session, won a series of races, and he decided it was time to give back to those who helped Courtney almost eight years previously.

Last year the Cruickshank family made special presentations of $10,000 to both Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the John Hunter Hospital and $20,000 to the Prince of Wales Children's Hospital.

The Helicopter Service has placed the generous donation in a fund to purchase a new twin engine helicopter in 2010. It is stories like Courtney Cruickshank that makes sure that no call for help will ever be unanswered and that no person will ever have to pay.

Courtney Cruickshank (pictured centre with green top) and her family with those who helped her in 1997 from Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, John Hunter Hospital and NSW Ambulance Service.

From Brady:

I would like to thank the Westpac Rescue Helicopter for probably saving my life. I had a bad motorbike accident on a mate’s property about 15 kilometres for Warialda. The road ambulance was first to arrive and it was seen that the Rescue Helicopter would be needed to take me to Tamworth - which was a good decision as a doctor there told me that I would have bleed to death in another 40 minutes. So, good work to all the ambulance and helicopter rescue people. You are all so wonderful.

Brady Rollings

Sarah's story:

Sarah Scott is just 14 years of age and fell from a car at a beach near Mungo Brush at the Myall Lakes. With suspected neck injuries, Sarah was lifted to the John Hunter Hospital where she was treated and released from hospital without serious injuries or lasting concussion. Sarah and her parents sent the Service letters and photographs after she was released from hospital.

Thank you so much for coming all the way to Mungo Brush and taking me to hospital. Even though I was half asleep you still put a smile on my face with your jokes and the way you spoke to me. I am back to normal now and enjoying the beach again.

Sarah

Cathy and Adrian Scott's Story:

We will always remember your care that day...It had been a very scary 10 minutes until she woke up though, thank goodness you can access these placed we get ourselves into trouble in.

Cathy and Adrian Scott

Natalie weds:

Natalie Moore has appeared on the front pages on many publications. She is an exceptional young woman with whom the people at the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service had come to admire and love.

And this is how we prefer to see her rather than as the dangerous ill young woman who has had six life-saving trips on the helicopter when rare illness has threatened her.

Natalie, of Singleton, suffers from a rare medical condition and allergy to eggs and egg products so severely that her body swells and the muscles in her neck can contract to the point where she is unable to breathe.

She first experienced the reaction when she was an infant. She has to take great care with everything she eats because even a food with an egg product could be lethal.

As you can see from our cover, Natalie Moore is now married. She married Scott Merrick on Saturday 13 October 2003 and we were lucky enough to see her wedding photograph.

Rescue Helicopter Crew Chief, Graham Nikisson, said that Natalie had won the admiration of paramedics, pilots and crews for her determination and courage.

In 2000, Natalie's mother, Kathryn, produced what has become a popular book on egg-free recipes. Funds raised through the sale of the book go to the Rescue Helicopter Service.
 

I think the world of the Service:

Nicole Bryant believes she is one of the lucky ones.

On a wet day in May 2003, Nicole and her best friend Sakina, her two kittens and pet bird were traveling north past Bulahdelah when a car collided with them.

Nicole suffered massive injuries including fractured left and right ankles, the right one was partially severed, fractured right femur, fractured left wrist, right hip injuries, internal bleeding and head injuries. Her friend Sakina was uninjured but both kittens and bird were killed in the accident.

They were on their way to visit Nicole’s boyfriend Shayne Thompson who was undertaking his practical training at Forster in a Bachelor of Clinical Practice in Paramedics through Charles Sturt University. Nicole was in her second year of study in a double degree of PE and Psychology also at Charles Sturt University.

'I am one of the lucky ones. I had the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service there to help me,' Nicole said.

As a result of her injuries Nicole was unconscious and remained in a coma for 10 days after the accident. She also suffered from short-term memory loss. As part of her recovery, Nicole recently visited the crew and staff at the Broadmeadow base.

'They are [the Service crew and staff] great! I think the world of them,' she said.

Hello. I got one of your Kevvy Koalas from e-bay. The person who sold it said they got it at country store. They didn't know the story of him. Until I looked you folks up. I thought you might like to know one of your Kevvys made it to the USA. He is VERY cute and is in my Koala collection. I really just wanted to Thank-you for him :) And I was glad to see he was from something positive.

Have a great day.. Koala Smiles or Teri....

To the crews,

We would like to thank the crew on the Rescue Helicopter who helped our son and brother Mark on 25 December 2005 at about 9 am. Mark was critically injured in a truck accident at Luskintyre. We know you did all that was possible for Mark. Tragically he passed away on 7 January from his injuries.

Out of our tragic loss came something good – we have met so many caring and loving people which is helping us to cope with the loss of our son and brother.

Keep up your excellent work. God bless you all.

Thanking you most sincerely.

The Donoghoe Family

To all at the Newcastle based Westpac Helicopter crew who 'rescued' my poor husband - from Coomba Park after being kicked in the chest by his pet horse. You guys are the greatest!

The service was superb, your help, kindness and prayers where very much appreciated. If the world had more people like you we would all be in much better shape! Thanks so much for your help, and best regards.

All the best

Jan

PS - Dennis, my husband, and the kickee, is now home and very sore, but healing. I think will take a while!.... No horses for some time to come! Thanks so much, God Bless you all!

My husband and I have a boy and his name is Spiro. He is five years old and autistic. The one thing Spiro loves so much is a helicopter. Seeing a helicopter makes him very happy, especially 'Westpac Harold' - Harold is the name he gives to all helicopters. We would like to donate every year to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service to help out the great service it provides for the community and also the smile it puts on my little boy's face.

Thanks Labrina