The Westpac Rescue Helicopter is a free service that rescues people from adverse situations and delivers immediate medical care and transport.

Four of the Cessnock volunteer fundraisers – Lorainne Corcoran, Lynne Naysmith, Patsy Black and Betty Cordowiner – attended the 40th anniversary of the helicopter service on November 6.

Past and present volunteers were in attendance on the night, which featured a presentation to long-standing members.

The Cessnock branch also recently celebrated another $15,000 raised for the service, which represents a total of $30,000 raised in 2015.

Local volunteers met with coordinator Jacquie Bailey in late December to deliver the latest contribution.

The Cessnock group formed in September 1997 and since then has raised a total of over $600,000 for the rescue service.

While the helicopter trips are free for those who need them, the cost of a single trip is about $3000, hence why they rely so much on donations from the public.

The Cessnock group raises funds through operating crowd control and taking donation buckets to the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, as well as tins around local pubs and clubs, golf days, Mothers and Father’s Day raffles and other events.

The group has also applied to be the beneficiary of the upcoming local Charity Shield rugby league match, which they have done in the past.

Lorainne has been involved in the Cessnock group since the beginning, Patsy for almost 18 years and Betty for eight years.

The women said they like being involved as the charity spends its funds locally and runs a professional operation, and that it is gratifying to work for a service that helps so many people.

“I’d rather work for it than be riding in it,” Lorainne said.

The group is currently seeking more volunteers. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, with the next meeting to be held this Thursday night at the Wine Country Motel at 6pm. For more information, contact Patsy on 4990 1143 or Betty on 4990 9113.