Melanie Benson

2026 -Ride for the Chopper

I'm fundraising for...

Northern NSW Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service which changes outcomes in our community every day.

I am participating in the Ride for the Chopper to support the important lifesaving work of the Rescue Helicopter Service on call to our community 24/7, 365 days a year.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is a flying intensive care unit.  The AW139 Helicopter has a Pilot with a minimum of 15 years flying experience; a Crewman, a SCAT trained Paramedic and a Doctor.  

Surgeries can be performed from the helicopter as well as blood transfusions.  It has the capacity to carry 2 patients or 2 Neonatal Cots. Not only does the Rescue Helicopter attend accidents it also transfers critical patients to larger hospitals for specialist treatment plus conducts Search and Rescue missions. 

The AW139s cost $1,000 per hour in fuel, $1,000 per hour to run the engine, $1,500 for the airframe and for $500 avionics, that’s a total of $4,000 per hour.

It costs about $40 million a year to keep the helicopters and crews ready to respond when needed.

Please give generously and share my page with your friends, family and colleagues. Thank you for supporting Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.  

My Achievements

Donate to Self

Shared Fundraising Page

First Donation

First Blog or Log

Reached Fundraising Target

$100 - Helipad Hero

$250 - Lift Off Legend

$500 - Blue Sky Dreamer

$1,000 - Airborne Angel

$2,500 - High Flyer

Thank you to my Sponsors

$163.43

Julie Ireland

Wonderful work Mel, hope you enjoy the ride. Jeff is in support team

$55.95

Tracey Worth

Very brave Mel, so proud of you!

$55.95

Michelle Bruton

Good Luck!

$55.95

Sharon Schofield

Go well Mel!!

$55.95

Lissie

Wishing you all the best on on your ride, enjoy, stretch and be proud of your accomplishment for such a good cause. 🧡

$54.84

Sheetal Puri

All the best

$50

Jock And Liv Nivison

Go Mel!!

$27.83

Anonymous

You are awesome! Keep cycling!