Team Guyra Saddles Up

15th Jul 2025

This September, Team Guyra will once again hit the road as part of the annual Ride for the Chopper, raising much-needed funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service—a vital lifeline for communities across Northern NSW.
The Ride for the Chopper is a major fundraising initiative for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Each year, cyclists take on a challenging multi-day ride to raise funds and awareness. Riders cover hundreds of kilometres through regional NSW, with every dollar raised going directly to support the community’s own rescue helicopter service.
This year’s team includes dedicated local riders: Leanne Mayled, Donna Mayled, Dave Mills, Michael Kirk, Bill Perrottet, Wayne Jenkyn, and John Newsome.
Over the course of eight days, the group will cycle approximately 600km, starting in Mudgee and making their way back to Tamworth, with overnight stops in Merriwa, Scone, Murrurundi, and Quirindi.
“This is a service any one of us could need at any time,” said team organiser Leanne Mayled.
“Fundraisers like this are what help keep the helicopters flying and the service free for everyone.”
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service operates 24/7 from bases in Tamworth, Belmont, and Lismore, providing rapid-response aeromedical care, emergency transport, and life-saving rescue missions.
Each helicopter is crewed by a highly trained team including a pilot, aircrew officer, NSW Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic, and a NSW Health doctor. In many missions, a specialist nurse is also on board.
Operating as a flying intensive care unit, the service performs over 1,500 missions every year, including accident response, inter-hospital transfers, neonatal emergencies, and search and rescue operations. Each hour of flight can cost up to $4,000, with an estimated $40 million annually required to keep the helicopters and crews operational.
“We would love the support of our community,” said Leanne. “Every donation—big or small—makes a real difference.”
To donate, scan the QR code provided or simply search “Ride for the Chopper Team Guyra” online, where you can support the team or any individual rider.

Going strong for 100 years

Phone	(02) 6779 2347
Email	Contact Us
Social

Team Guyra Saddles Up

Menu

News

Contact