Fundraiser’s life-saving debt of gratitude
For seven years Reece McDonald has been raising money for rescue helicopters and, until recently, never thought he would need one.
McDonald, of Invercargill, is a regular fundraiser for the Westpac Chopper Appeal and also participates in its charity bike ride from Queenstown to Invercargill.
Money raised is given to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust to help maintain the service.
Six weeks ago McDonald woke up with indigestion and it was no better before he left for work. On the way he thought he would get a medical opinion at Southland Hospital’s emergency department.
But he didn’t make it under his own steam. Sweatiness and numbness in both arms forced McDonald to stop his car outside the Vercoe Brown & Associates medical centre on Elles Rd.
McDonald, 41, was having a heart attack. He phoned for an ambulance with help from the medical centre’s receptionist.
He arrived at Southland Hospital about 8am and two hours later was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital. One of his arteries was 85 per cent blocked and another was 50 per cent blocked.
‘‘It was the worst pain I have ever felt,’’ he said.
McDonald, who is the managing director of Ricoh Southland, says the helicopter service saved his life.
‘‘I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the rescue helicopter and the medics. I’ve been raising money for them for seven years and these guys saved my life.’’
McDonald’s heart problem is hereditary. ‘‘I’ve got three brothers and I’ve encouraged them to get checked out.’’
Despite the heart attack costing him six weeks of training, McDonald is still aiming to be among the 60 riders for this year’s event on May 10.
Doctors gave him the go-ahead to resume training at Easter.
One of the Westpac Chopper Appeal’s fundraising activities is being held at the Waikiwi Tavern on Monday night. Raffles, auctions and prizes are up for grabs.