Unbeknown to them, a car was quickly approaching on the other side.
The red hatchback came out of nowhere, Corles said.
“It is a blind corner and we didn’t see the car until a few seconds before impact.”
The car crossed the centreline and slammed into the front of their campervan on the driver’s side, shunting them off the road.
The impact bent the Fiat Ducato’s chassis, writing it off.
Corles, 67 at the time, clambered from the van before helping Lum, then 76.
Though she had no visible injuries, it was clear something wasn’t right.
“I recall helping Geraldine out of the camper van and she lay down on the roadside complaining of a sore back,” Corles said.
“I had a few abrasions on my right leg and foot but was otherwise fine, but I did wander around in a dazed state for a few minutes.”
A police officer and nurse were among the first on the scene, as well as two surf lifeguards with first aid training.
One couple looked after Lum while another person helped treat Corles’ leg.
Corles had no idea the helicopter was on its way until it landed in a nearby paddock.
He assumed it was for the driver of the car.
Instead, Lum was stretchered into the helicopter.
Still dazed, Corles didn’t know that was happening until he was shoulder-tapped and told to join his partner.
He climbed in with Lum and they were flown to Whangārei Hospital.
The driver of the car was taken to hospital by ambulance.
The couple was discharged from hospital after scans and treatment.
Lum’s fracture wasn’t detected until months later, though it eventually healed.
Corles and Lum are among many patients helped over the years by Northern Rescue.
“We have always been supportive of the service and have admiration for all the emergency services. People should support the rescue services whenever they are able,” Corles said.
The appeal aims to fundraise more than $300,000 after $262,000 was raised in 2025.
Long-time Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopter member, pilot Steve Couchman, believed the target was achievable.
Couchman had spent 24 years devoting his flying career to Northern Rescue.
With more than 8000 flight hours, what gave him the most satisfaction was helping others in their time of need.
“It is a privilege doing the work we do and knowing we are making a difference to someone during what could be the worst day of their life.”
Donations to the 2026 Annual Appeal can be made here.
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.