I am the only survivour of the 1996 Maria Luisa tragedy. We were on the fishing trawler Maria Luisa 15342 when it collided with the Sydney Express, a containership, in the Wellington Harbour Channel near where the interisland ferry Wahine sank. The Westpac Rescue Chopper was on the scene within minutes as well as the Aratika ferry which was due outward for the South Island. The Sydney Express left us no draught and we ran out of depth then got hit by the container ship.

I'm a 15 year old girl whose riding life has had to be put on hold for six months due to 3 broken bones in my jaw. The day this all happened was my second day at my local pony club. After warming up and practicing a few jumps I was ready to join a group of all really keen and excited riders. All I remember after that is nothing! I've been told by my instructers that I had been jumping 3 jumps and was trotting in to my 4th. After clearing that jump I turned the corner and all of a sudden had a dog sitting in front me which spooked my horse causing me to fall off and be kicked in the cheek of my face.

Have you or someone in your family been helped by the WestPac Chopper? Share your story to help raise funds for the Chopper Appeal.