The Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter is running a "Heli Livestock" fundraiser, with grateful users taking the chance to donate.
The Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter is running a "Heli Livestock" fundraiser, with grateful users taking the chance to donate.
A Hawke’s Bay farming family of self-confessed “frequent flyers” is helping the region’s air rescue service by donating the proceeds of spring lambs.
The money given is part of the “Heli Livestock” fundraiser to ensure the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter can continue to rescue those in need.
Sarah Grayson,alongside her parents Chris and Helen, are heavily involved in equestrian, hunting and show jumping, and admits they’ve had their fair share of rescues over the years.
Grayson said she got rolled on by her horse show jumping at Takapau in 2022 and suffered a sternoclavicular joint dislocation and injured the ACL and MCL in a knee.
“I was flown to Hawke’s Bay Hospital and have never been so pleased to hear the chopper.
“The crew were amazing – the flight was the only time in 12 weeks that I was free of pain – I can’t thank them enough.”
She said her mum was also picked up after she broke her neck in the early 2000s and her brother Daniel was airlifted, both suffering injuries from horse-related falls.
Sarah Grayson holds her 19-month-old son Troy and stands with her parents Chris Hansen and Helen Hansen at the saleyards. Photo / Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter
“As a family, we’re incredibly appreciative of the service.
“If everyone donated two lambs or a cattle beast every year, that’s the most cost-efficient insurance you can have as a farmer.
“Accidents happen, and you want to know the rescue helicopter will be there when you really need it.”
As farmers across the region head into weaning and summer stocking, the rescue helicopter is encouraging more rural supporters to donate the proceeds from livestock sales to support the service.
Raukawa-based farmers Graeme and Judy Wedd donated a cattle beast recently through the scheme, raising around $2000 for the rescue helicopter.
Helen Hansen boards the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter, accompanying her daughter, Sarah Grayson to Hawke's Bay Hospital after a horse-riding accident in 2022. Photo / Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter
“The method of donating stock when sending to slaughter is such a simple way for farmers to support our life-saving service. We’ll be doing our best to support Heli Livestock annually, and hope others will follow suit,” Graeme said.
PGG Wrightson agent Neil Common was helping connect willing farmers with the cause.
“Every donation – whether it’s from the sale of a livestock animal or a personal contribution, directly supports their ability to respond when someone’s life depends on it.”
Chief pilot Charlie Beetham said the support was critical and helped to keep the helicopter flying, crews trained and equipment ready.
“For us on the front line, it’s a powerful reminder that the people we serve are standing right beside us. We’re incredibly grateful to farmers like Graeme and Judy, along with the Hansens and many others – their generosity quite literally helps save lives.”
Farmers interested in supporting Heli Livestock can contact their local livestock agent or call the rescue helicopter team on (06) 8781630 for details on how to make a life-saving livestock contribution.
