Fifteen brave people came together in Moree on Sunday to conquer their fear of heights and raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
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The inaugural Leaders Leap for Life was held at B & W Rural Moree where a large crowd attended to watch the leaders abseil down a nine-storey silo.
In pairs Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service representative Lisa Thomas and B & W Rural owner Peter Birch were the first to step down the silo.
Peter said it had always been on his bucket list and he, literally, jumped at the chance.
Next up was Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Kenway and Clark’s chief financial officer Gemille Hayes.
“The toughest thing is the first step over the edge because its such an unnatural feeling to lean back over it; but don’t look down.
“It was a lot of fun and hopefully we can raise a lot of money for this flying emergency department; the money we raise will keep them flying and free for everybody,” Mr Marshall said as he touched down.
Following the local pollie was GrainCorp’s customer manager for Northern NSW Rebeccah Shaw and Barwon LAC Superintendent Paul McDonald.
The Superintendent was one of the first to admit his fear of heights before the leap and was seen kissing the ground as he landed.
Two television superstars were next to jump; Biggest Loser contestant Anna Winter and Elvis Presley also known as agribusiness manager at NAB Luke Bell.
Luke decided to dress at the King as his legs matched Elvis’ famous dance moves before heading down, but later regretted the decision after a few wardrobe malfunctions on the way down.
Tom Boyle and Josh McGregor battled each other to the bottom in an entertaining race of the villages Warialda verse Garah.
Namoi Sustainable Energy director Lachlan Skinner and McDonalds Narrabri licensee Rob McAlister encouraged each other down.
Second last up was Moree Plains Shire Councillor John Tramby who won the auction abseil spot for his grandson Greg Fisher; the two took on the challenge together.
Finally, Luigi Carpinteri from the Moree Solar Farm raised around $2,000 on the day to also take on the massive feat.
At the time of print more than $30,000 had been raised by those who leaped and donations from the crowd throughout the day.
Mayor Katrina Humphries, as MC on the day, said described the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service as a vital necessity.
“None of us known when, and hopefully we never have to find out but funds like this ensure the service remains free for all,” she said.