Judy has been supporting the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter for 11 years. She never expected to need the service herself.
Judy has always been a country girl at heart — happiest living a quiet life surrounded by animals and open land. After her marriage ended, she moved from Napier to a small home in Porangahau, set high on a hill. It was peaceful, but exposed to strong, relentless winds she hadn’t expected.
Not long after moving in, Judy began having falls while carrying firewood up and down the uneven ground. When pain started in her left arm, she assumed it was simply from those accidents.
A frightening turn in the early hours
But in the early hours of October 15th, everything changed.
Judy woke at 2:30am with intense pain spreading from her arm to her shoulder, neck, and jaw. Concerned, she searched her symptoms and realised this wasn’t from a fall — it was her heart. She called 111.
Within minutes, local responders arrived and stayed with her until the ambulance came. In that moment, living remotely felt less frightening; she knew she was in caring, capable hands.
Flown to Wellington for urgent care
At Hawke’s Bay Hospital, doctors confirmed Judy had suffered a heart attack. Very quickly, arrangements were made for her to be flown to Wellington for urgent treatment.
She had never been in a helicopter before, and had never faced anything like this.
It was frightening — being so far from home, in such an unfamiliar situation. But the Rescue Helicopter crew were incredible. They kept her comfortable, reassured her throughout the flight, and gave her complete confidence that she was safe. Their calm professionalism helped her stay calm too.
Thanks to them, Judy was able to get the specialist care she needed — a procedure that quite literally saved her life.
A new understanding
Judy had always supported the Rescue Helicopter with donations, believing it was important. Now she understands just how vital it truly is.
In Judy’s words
“To the crew who cared for me, and to the donors who make this service possible, thank you. You are there for people in their most vulnerable moments, often in difficult and risky conditions, and because of you, lives like mine are saved. I am deeply grateful. Thank you for being there when I needed you most.”
Why this matters
Judy’s story is a powerful reminder that no one knows when they might need this lifesaving service — even those who have supported it for years, like Judy has for the past 11.
