Historic heart patient walks into helicopter base

Eactly one week after being airlifted by Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter to a Brisbane hospital for a life-saving operation, an historic patient walked into the Lismore Helibase to thank the flight crew.

On Thursday, November 19, John ‘Shippa’ Hoye had a heart attack while working at Jiggi Public School.

He was rushed by the builder he was working for to Lismore Base Hospital.

Soon after arriving there, a decision was made to have Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter airlift Shippa to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane for emergency treatment.

Shippa didn’t know it at the time, but he was to become part of an historic mission – Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter’s 6000th.

The incredible irony behind Shippa’s story is that in the lead-up to his heart-attack, he was busy planning a fundraising event to benefit Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter; never thinking he would soon needs its help.

Yesterday – exactly one week after having a stent inserted in his heart during an emergency operation – Shippa walked into the Lismore Helibase to thank the rescue crew, but that wasn’t the only reason for his visit.

He was also there to hand over a $1000 donation that his motorcycle club, the Northern NSW Harley Owners Group, raised from a recent poker run.

Looking a picture of health compared with a week earlier, Shippa said he would be off work for the next few months but would continue to help organise the coming helicopter fundraiser.

That fundraiser involves a function at the Ballina RSL Bowling Club on Saturday, December 5, when the Northern NSW Harley Owners Group holds its 20-year reunion celebration in which Shippa is hoping all past members will attend.

Anyone with inquiries about the reunion should contact Shippa on 0439 709 809.

PICTURE: Shippa with chief pilot (and 6000th mission pilot) Lynton Beggs.

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