Participation in his eighth Westpac Chopper Appeal Bike Ride on May 12, in aid of the regional air rescue service, had more meaning for resort resident Stephen Hebbend this year.
His wife, Joanne, who’s receiving cancer treatment, has twice taken the chopper to Dunedin over the past six weeks.
‘‘Over seven years I hadn’t been formally introduced to the helicopter,’’ he says.
As he writes on his Facebook page, ‘‘our recent experiences make me even more determined to fundraise and train for such a worthy cause’’.
The 62-year-old, who’s personally raised about $3200 this time, says his latest ride was ‘‘bloody cold’’, however the vistas, with snow down to the road’s edge in northern Southland, were ‘‘amazing’’.
He commends ex-All Blacks Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina and Jimmy Cowan for their involvement this time.
‘‘Because of them being there, it’s brought the awareness up.’’
Hebbend says he’d love a few more locals to take part next year, ‘‘’cos it does make a difference’’.
Queenstowners joining him last Friday included Wakatipu Community Foundation chair Raymond Key and retiree Colin McDonald.
The 75 riders had raised $120,000 by that Friday afternoon, smashing the previous fundraising record of $110,000.
That money will go to Lakes District Air Rescue Trust, which supports Otago Helicopters’ fleet of five rescue choppers in the South.
