The husband of a 81-year-old Tauranga woman who collapsed on Leisure Island says he is counting his blessings after a local woman and her nephew came to their aid.
A shaken Keith Bowen, 85, said he and wife Betty, who are residents of Copper Crest Retirement Village, had gone for walk on the Island around midday yesterday.
"We were just on our way back when Betty suddenly didn't feel well, and had a pain in her chest, then she collapsed. It gave me quite a fright. I didn't have my cellphone on me as I'd left it in the car. But luckily Sandy [Blair] and her nephew Douglas, visiting from Scotland, had one and they were able to call the ambulance for us."
Mrs Bowen was taken off Leisure Island by St Johns Ambulance staff and members of the Mount Maunganui Surf Lifesaving Club.
Mr Bowen said he and his wife were celebrating 60 years of marriage this year and counts his blessings that Mrs Blair and her nephew were close at hand.
He also wanted to pay tribute to St John Ambulance and Mount Maunganui Surf Lifesaving Club personnel for the fabulous care they received.
"It doesn't appear Betty had had a heart attack, but the ambulance staff wanted to take her to hospital for a full check up to make sure she is okay," he said.
Mrs Blair and her nephew Douglas, 22, also helped lift Mrs Bowen into the shade, and stayed with the Bowens until emergency services arrived.
Mrs Blair said they were only too happy to help. It was really hot day and I think Mrs Bowen overheated a bit and she fainted more than anything. Thank God it was anything far more serious as it was a quite a walk back to the roadside.
Mount Maunganui Surf Lifesaving Clubs Glenn Bradley said Mrs Bowen was conscious when club members arrived on the scene. "Ironically we respond to more calls for assistance on dry land than we do water rescues, and keeps us pretty busy at times," he said.