Back to Base challenge for Doug
But, while he may not be as quick on his feet as he used to be, slowing down is not on his agenda.
In fact, Doug is challenging himself to walk Back to Base this month for a cause that first came into his life 28 years ago. Doug has had two near-death experiences.
He has also been around enough dining room tables that he understands better than anyone the isolation and challenges of rural life.
It's these experiences that have led Doug to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
''It might have been years ago, but I can still remember the sound of the chopper,'' Doug says.
It was 1997 and Doug was at his farm, Lowry Hills, in Cheviot.
He was going down a hill on a quad bike when tragedy struck. Doug found himself on the ground with a broken neck.
''I was in terrible pain. The ambulance came and they immediately called the rescue helicopter.''
Doug can't remember much of the flight but remembers the sense of relief he felt when the helicopter arrived, and the rescue helicopter crew took over.
''They were able to relieve my pain and get me to hospital so quickly.
''I was just so very lucky. Ever since then I've been a very strong supporter of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust.''
Doug was in hospital for nearly a month, with surgery repairing his broken C6 and C7 vertebrae.
That experience, coupled with a recent triple bypass, led Doug to believe it was time to leave the farm behind — but farm life stayed with him.
He started volunteering for the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
''I wasn't a trained counsellor, but I could listen. I knew and understood the mental struggles of rural people,'' Doug says.
In 2011, Doug cheated death a second time. He had a cardiac arrest.
The paramedic who spent 35 minutes bringing him back to life was Juliet Fitzpatrick, Doug's former neighbour from Cheviot, a critical care paramedic working on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
''She basically saved my life, so that just reconnected me with the amazing work of the rescue helicopter crew.''
You would think after a broken neck, major heart surgeries and receiving a Queen's Service Medal for services to farming and the community, it would be time for Doug to take a rest.
That's not how Doug works.
He has signed up for the Back to Base challenge, raising funds for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust by walking 49km during the month of August.
He wants others to sign up too.
''I know so many farmers and people in our rural communities who have had their lives saved by the rescue helicopter service.
''I also know how important exercise is for our physical and mental wellbeing.''
Doug believes the Back to Base challenge is a great opportunity for anyone of any age to improve their wellbeing while raising funds for an important cause.
''The rescue helicopter service does such a fantastic job and you never know when you will need it.
''We should all give this service, and the Back to Base challenge, our support.'' Check out Doug's Back to Base fundraising page at backtobase.co.nz/doug-archbold
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Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Back to Base challenge for Doug
After serving his Canterbury community for decades, it would be fair for Doug Archbold to slow down and enjoy his retirement. But, while he may not be as quick on his feet as he used to be, slowing down is not on his agenda. In fact, Doug is challenging himself to walk Back to Base this month for a cause that first came into his life 28 years ago. Doug has had two near-death experiences. He has also been around enough dining room tables that he understands better than anyone the isolation and challenges of rural life. It's these experiences that have led Doug to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. ''It might have been years ago, but I can still remember the sound of the chopper,'' Doug says. It was 1997 and Doug was at his farm, Lowry Hills, in Cheviot. He was going down a hill on a quad bike when tragedy struck. Doug found himself on the ground with a broken neck. ''I was in terrible pain. The ambulance came and they immediately called the rescue helicopter.'' Doug can't remember much of the flight but remembers the sense of relief he felt when the helicopter arrived, and the rescue helicopter crew took over. ''They were able to relieve my pain and get me to hospital so quickly. ''I was just so very lucky. Ever since then I've been a very strong supporter of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust.'' Doug was in hospital for nearly a month, with surgery repairing his broken C6 and C7 vertebrae. That experience, coupled with a recent triple bypass, led Doug to believe it was time to leave the farm behind — but farm life stayed with him. He started volunteering for the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust. ''I wasn't a trained counsellor, but I could listen. I knew and understood the mental struggles of rural people,'' Doug says. In 2011, Doug cheated death a second time. He had a cardiac arrest. The paramedic who spent 35 minutes bringing him back to life was Juliet Fitzpatrick, Doug's former neighbour from Cheviot, a critical care paramedic working on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. ''She basically saved my life, so that just reconnected me with the amazing work of the rescue helicopter crew.'' You would think after a broken neck, major heart surgeries and receiving a Queen's Service Medal for services to farming and the community, it would be time for Doug to take a rest. That's not how Doug works. He has signed up for the Back to Base challenge, raising funds for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust by walking 49km during the month of August. He wants others to sign up too. ''I know so many farmers and people in our rural communities who have had their lives saved by the rescue helicopter service. ''I also know how important exercise is for our physical and mental wellbeing.'' Doug believes the Back to Base challenge is a great opportunity for anyone of any age to improve their wellbeing while raising funds for an important cause. ''The rescue helicopter service does such a fantastic job and you never know when you will need it. ''We should all give this service, and the Back to Base challenge, our support.'' Check out Doug's Back to Base fundraising page at
Scoop
24-07-2025
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Rescue Crew Chief Issues Lifesaving Challenge
The crew chief of the Westpac rescue helicopter service is urging the community to help them get back to base this August, as demand for the lifesaving service continues to grow. 'Every time we take off could be the difference between life and death. This is vital work, but we can't do it alone,' says Crew Chief Rick Knight. The Canterbury Westpac and ROA Mining Rescue Helicopters have already completed over 520 missions this year across the Canterbury West Coast region and demand continues to increase. 'Whether it's a medical emergency in one of our rural communities, an accident in remote terrain, or an urgent response to a personal locator beacon activation, we all rely on the rescue helicopters to be there - and we are. 'But to continue to provide this world-class service we need our community's support. We need the community to take up this challenge and help us get Back to Base,' says Knight. Back to Base is a virtual event in which people are encouraged to challenge themselves to cover the distance equivalent to a real rescue helicopter mission. The Back to Base distances range from 9 km, the distance from Christchurch Hospital back to base, up to 155 km, the distance from Timaru to base. Alternatively, participants can set their own target. Last year, $45,000 was raised through Back to Base with participants finding unique ways to complete the challenge. A team of ocean swimmers swam 500 km, a mum and her two children walked and ran 349 km, while an 80-year-old man walked 9 km. 'It's simple. Choose your distance, get a few sponsors on board and get moving. It doesn't matter if you walk, run, swim, ski, or hit the treadmill – however you move you will be supporting the lifesaving work of the rescue helicopter crew,' Knight says. There are 39 crew who work across the Canterbury and West Coast rescue helicopter service, operated by GCH Aviation. For all of them physical fitness, and the mental strength that comes from that, is vital for their job. 'Crew roles demand a high level of fitness every day – whether we're swimming through rough seas during a marine rescue or trekking rugged terrain to reach an injured tramper. Even helicopter winch operations require strength and precision. It's an intense and highly specialised job. 'The Back to Base challenge reflects the grit and commitment required in air rescue, and it's a powerful way everyday Kiwis can support our mission,' Knight says. Funds raised through the Back to Base Challenge will go towards the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust's MISSION 2026. MISSION 2026 is the biggest transformation the rescue helicopter service has seen in its 40-year history. The fleet is being upgraded with three H145 helicopters, along with a significant investment in new equipment, technology and advanced crew training. The biggest game-changer is the roll-out of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) across the fleet. IFR enables the helicopters to fly in more adverse weather conditions – an investment which means the rescue helicopters will be able to respond to an estimated 20% more missions. The Trust needs to raise $1.4 million towards MISSION 2026. Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust CEO Christine Prince says they need the community's support to get there. 'Please join our Back to Base challenge starting 1 August. Put simply, we need your help to save lives; every dollar contributes towards this. 'With challenge distances from 9 km, anyone can join the Back to Base challenge and be part of our life-saving MISSION 2026,' Prince says. Back to Base distance options are: • 9 km – Christchurch Hospital Helipad and Back to Base • 49 km – Akaroa to Christchurch Hospital and Back to Base • 97 km – Mt Hutt to Christchurch Hospital and Back to Base • 155 km – Timaru Hospital to Christchurch Hospital and Back to Base Back to Base Challenge participants who fundraise more than $100 will receive a Westpac or ROA Mining Rescue Helicopter pin, with a medal provided to those participants who raise more than $250. The highest fundraiser will receive a city flight for two, gifted by GCH Aviation, with other spot prizes up for grabs. Anyone can sign up for the Back to Base Challenge at The Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust has funded the life-saving Rescue Helicopters in Canterbury and the West Coast since 1989. Working alongside service provider GCH Aviation, the Trust is tasked with raising $6 million each year to support the operation of the service, which is not fully government funded. The Trust's funding also supports the provision of life-saving equipment and additional crew training, all of which improves patient care and outcomes.
Otago Daily Times
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Deputy mayor keen to continue council work — but not as mayor
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