Two Timaru friends who survived heart attacks within months of each other are launching a charity golf tournament, to raise awareness and funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Golfing buddies Warren Leslie and Garry Wallace were both airlifted to Christchurch Hospital by the rescue helicopter after suffering heart attacks.
Now they want to give back to the rescue helicopter service which they say is a “lifeline” for the Timaru and wider South Canterbury community. From January to July 2025, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called out for 54 missions across South Canterbury.
“No one wants a ride in the back of the rescue helicopter, but unfortunately, for some of us, that’s where we end up. And when you need it, you’re so glad it’s there,” Warren says.
Warren and Garry are organising the inaugural Pleasant Point Charity Golf Tournament. They are hoping to raise $20,000 for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, which supports the rescue helicopter service.
The Charity Golf Tournament, being held on 10 October, will have an Ambrose format with space for 25 teams.
“You don’t have to be the best golfer; this is an inclusive tournament that caters for teams of mixed abilities. For those who don’t want to play golf, come down to the Clubhouse anyway and enjoy some hospitality and what should be a great day out,” Warren says.
For Garry, the event will be particularly poignant. His team is aiming to finish off the game of golf they started on 29 March this year, which came to an abrupt end when Garry 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” Garry says.
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.”
Warren’s heart attack came on a little more slowly. It was October 2024, and he was feeling unwell, so went to the doctor who took some blood tests. Just over an hour later the doctor’s office was on the phone to Warren telling him he was having a heart attack and he had to ring 111 immediately.
“The ambulance came and then, within a few hours of that doctor’s visit, I was in the rescue helicopter on my way to Christchurch. It was certainly not what I expected when I went to the doctor that morning but the service from the rescue helicopter and the crew was amazing.”
Warren and Garry both had stents inserted to increase blood flow to the heart and have both enjoyed a positive recovery.
“I was recently told by my cardiologist that she doesn’t want to see me again, so that’s awesome!” Garry says.
For Warren, his top tip for keeping healthy is being active, which he says is a great excuse to never stop playing golf!
Warren says the Pleasant Point Charity Golf Tournament will include an auction, some raffles and “a couple of mystery things we’ll keep secret until the day.”
“If any local businesses are interested in sponsoring the event or have items they could donate for the auction, we’d love to hear from them.
“You don’t have to look far in South Canterbury to find someone who has been impacted by the incredible work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. This is one way we can give back to the life-saving rescue helicopter crew, who are there for our community 24/7.”
