Two heart-stopping moments were behind Friday’s charity golf tournament at Pleasant Point Golf Course.
Golfing buddies Warren Leslie and Garry Wallace, who survived heart attacks within months of each other, organised the tournament, aiming to raise awareness and funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust spokesperson Pip O’Regan said organisers were delighted with the event and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew team had a fabulous day.
‘‘There was an incredible outpouring of support for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service from all of those attending.’’
Mr Leslie and Mr Wallace were both airlifted to Christchurch Hospital by the rescue helicopter, after suffering heart attacks late last year and early this year, respectively.
For Mr Wallace, last week’s tournament offered him the chance to finish off the game of golf he had started on March 29 this year, which came to an abrupt end when he had a heart attack on the fourth hole.
‘‘I had only played three holes when all hell broke loose. By the time one of the guys was asking me what was wrong, the others were on the phone to the ambulance.
‘‘The next minute there was the big red and yellow butterfly coming out of the sky to get me to Christchurch Hospital,’’ Mr Wallace said.
The rescue helicopter landed at the Pleasant Point golf course, just by the clubhouse.
‘‘They were such a wonderful crew, they really looked after me and helped take my mind off what was going on,’’ he said. — Allied Media
