Unbeknown to them, a car was quickly approaching on the other side.<\/p>\n
The red hatchback came out of nowhere, Corles said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a blind corner and we didn\u2019t see the car until a few seconds before impact.\u201d <\/p>\n
The car crossed the centreline and slammed into the front of their campervan on the driver\u2019s side, shunting them off the road. <\/p>\n
The impact bent the Fiat Ducato\u2019s chassis, writing it off. <\/p>\n
Corles, 67 at the time, clambered from the van before helping Lum, then 76. <\/p>\n
Though she had no visible injuries, it was clear something wasn\u2019t right.<\/p>\n
\u201cI recall helping Geraldine out of the camper van and she lay down on the roadside complaining of a sore back,\u201d Corles said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
A police officer and nurse were among the first on the scene, as well as two surf lifeguards with first aid training. <\/p>\n
One couple looked after Lum while another person helped treat Corles\u2019 leg.<\/p>\n
Corles had no idea the helicopter was on its way until it landed in a nearby paddock. <\/p>\n
He assumed it was for the driver of the car.<\/p>\n
Instead, Lum was stretchered into the helicopter. <\/p>\n
Still dazed, Corles didn\u2019t know that was happening until he was shoulder-tapped and told to join his partner. <\/p>\n
He climbed in with Lum and they were flown to Whang\u0101rei Hospital. <\/p>\n
The driver of the car was taken to hospital by ambulance.<\/p>\n
The couple was discharged from hospital after scans and treatment.<\/p>\n
Lum\u2019s fracture wasn\u2019t detected until months later, though it eventually healed. <\/p>\n
Corles and Lum are among many patients helped over the years by Northern Rescue.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d Corles said.<\/p>\n
The appeal aims to fundraise more than $300,000 after $262,000 was raised in 2025.<\/p>\n
Long-time Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopter member, pilot Steve Couchman, believed the target was achievable. <\/p>\n
Couchman had spent 24 years devoting his flying career to Northern Rescue. <\/p>\n
With more than 8000 flight hours, what gave him the most satisfaction was helping others in their time of need.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n