Get up, get moving and get giving is the message from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter as it launches its virtual fundraiser – the Base to Base Challenge.
After incredible success in 2021 in the height of the COVID pandemic, Base to Base has returned for a second year to encourage people to come together and undertake physical activity, all while supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Participants can move the distance between any of the four (4) Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service bases, located at Belmont, Broadmeadow, Tamworth and Lismore without leaving their postcode.
Participants can engage individually or gather a team to complete a mission together. Distances will appeal to people of all ages and levels of fitness ranging from 42km through to a challenging 1,386km full loop between all four bases.
Aimee Fisher will be completing her kilometres in her wheelchair this October as she aims to complete the 1,386km full rotation event to give back to the Rescue Helicopter.
In 2017 Aimee’s life changed forever when she fell badly at gymnastics training, leaving her paralysed from the waist down. While the accident was devasting, Aimee quickly turned her sights to para-athletics and hopes to compete in the Paralympics.
“I will be forever grateful for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter airlifting me to Sydney to receive the most specialised care available and playing a part in receiving the best possible outcome from my injury,” said Aimee.
“Base to Base is an incredible opportunity to do something I love for a cause that means so much to me.”
While completing her mission, she will be on placement for her medical sonography degree at Royal North Shore Hospital, the very hospital she was transported to nearly five years ago.
Over 1,100 participants took part in the 2021 event, and the Service is hoping to see more than 2,000 take part this year.
“One of the highlights of last year’s event was seeing so many workplaces and communities come together from across our service area. It is a truly unique event in that everyone from Bourke to Ballina, and down to the Hawkesbury River can take part,” said Westpac Rescue Helicopter CEO Richard Jones OAM.
Registration in the virtual event is free, and the first 1,000 participants to raise $50 will receive a limited-edition Base to Base buff.
“We are encouraging workplaces, community groups, schools and sports clubs to create a team and have some fun while supporting their local service,” concluded Mr Jones.
Participants can register at events.rescuehelicopter.com.au/event/base-to-base
You can follow our participant’s photos, stories and experiences at www.instagram.com/basetobasechallenge and www.facebook.com/basetobasechallenge
The Base to Base Challenge is proudly supported by LOVE Realty.
About the Service:
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was established in 1975 and through community support and fundraising it has become a critical service that operates four AW139 helicopters from three bases in Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore. The Service, in partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, delivers aeromedical search, rescue and inter-hospital transfers to care for communities from north of the Hawkesbury River through to the Queensland border and throughout the New England North West.
Along with the Pilot and Aircrew Officer, every prehospital emergency response mission launches with a dedicated NSW Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic, NSW Health Doctor and depending on the needs of each patient the team may include specialist nursing professionals.
The Community, Business Partners and the NSW Government through NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, provide the funds to ensure the Westpac Rescue Helicopter continues to save lives across Northern NSW.