Brian Clarke learned the value of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service 21 years ago when he was airlifted after a motorcycle accident.
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In June 1995, Brian was travelling on the Bucketts Way over Brushy Mountain on the way to Wallanbah. On the way down, while coming around the sharp bend, his petrol cap popped off after hitting a pothole.
Naturally, he explained, he looked back to see where it landed so he could pick it up.
“As I did, I leaned in, as you do on a motorbike and I hit the embankment.”
Petrol sprayed all over his nylon gear as he fell onto the road. The bike caught on fire and so did Brian.
Based on the state of his gloves after the accident, he knows he tried to pat himself out before he lost consciousness.
Former Gloucester resident, Russell Heaton came across Brian on his way back from Taree. Russell had just purchased a doona for his daughter and used to it put the fire out.
“Don’t move; you’re burnt,” is what Brian remembers Russell saying when can came to.
Brian recalls the helicopter landing but not much after that.
He suffered third degree burns from his belly button to his toes, plus a broken leg and broken wrist.
Around two years later, the Gloucester Volunteer Support Group for the helicopter service was formed and Brian got involved straight away. He’s currently the president and the only remaining original member.
His experience with the service is the main reason he got involved.
“Because it saved my life. I thought I should give back,” he said.
Volunteer coordinator for Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Jacqui Bailey said the Gloucester group has raised more than $700,000 in the 19 years they have been fundraising.
“The continued support means we can continue to deliver a vital transport link for our brilliant medical teams, and provide that support free of charge to those who need it,” she said.
The group raises money throughout the year which is donated directly to the service. Their main event is the dinner and auction, but they are trying to “think outside the square” and come up with more ideas.
Upcoming events include a trivia night, barefoot bowls and a night with The Bowden Brothers.
Gold coin donations at the Bucketts of Movies go to the service with $240 raised so far. The next movie is Finding Dory on Friday, February 17.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
