The annual Base to Base Challenge raising funds to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is back this October, with the month-long fitness initiative inviting people from all walks of life to unite, stay active, and support their local community.

The Base to Base Challenge is a unique event bringing communities together with one simple message - ‘get moving and make an impact.’ Participants can walk, ride, run, or roll their way through 50km, 100km, 150km or set their own challenge. They can go solo or team up with friends, family, colleagues or their sports club to raise funds to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. 

This Challenge is a call to action for everyone, regardless of their fitness level or background, to lead a more active life while supporting an organisation that plays a vital role in saving lives across Northern NSW, from its three bases at Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore.

The Service is honoured to have 10 passionate ‘event ambassadors’ joining the challenge this year, each with their own inspiring rescue story from locations throughout Northern NSW. Event ambassadors like Emily Glover, who six weeks after the birth of son Hudson, was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, an uncommon form of heart failure occurring towards the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery. 

“I ended up in ICU and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked on an urgent inter-hospital transfer to St Vincents Hospital in Sydney. I was told I would need a heart transplant and was listed on the emergency organ transplant list and on day eight, I received news that I was to receive a heart,” Emily said. 

“I definitely never thought that I would need the Rescue Helicopter but there’s not enough ‘thank yous’ to say to that crew on the aircraft and how grateful my family and I are to them,” Emily said.

Registration is FREE, and as an added incentive, the first 400 participants will receive an exclusive, limited-edition Base to Base bandana. 

Participants can register at rescuehelicopter.com.au/events

Today, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service operates in partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, to deliver the highest standard of aeromedical and rescue services to those in need across a state-wide network.

An NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and NSW Health doctor are on board each AW139 aircraft to provide the highest quality critical care where it is needed most.