Where’s Charlie?
At our Clandeboye site, they often talk about teamwork and looking out for each other, but for Charlie Kelley, that camaraderie quite literally saved his life when friends and colleagues, Peter Sutton and Rosie Pierce jumped into action.
In February 2023, Charlie, Rosemary, and Peter had been training hard for the challenge and were excited to finally hit the road after Covid had put their plans on hold. But just as their 3000km bike ride from Cape Reigna to Bluff was beginning, Charlie collapsed suddenly. With no time to think, Peter jumped into action, performing CPR while Rosie coordinated emergency services. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter arrived swiftly, flying Charlie to Whangārei Hospital.
Charlie, a long-time member of the team, doesn’t remember much about the day his life changed forever. But thanks to the quick thinking and CPR skills of his workmates, Peter and Rosie, he’s here to tell the tale.
Left to right: Peter Sutton (Advanced Operator, Processing), Charlie Kelley (Advanced Operator, Processing), Rosie Pierce (Cleaning Assistant, Support Services)
Charlie has no memory of the day he collapsed or the days that followed. He was airlifted from Kerikeri to Whangārei Hospital, where he spent 24 hours in an induced coma. When he regained consciousness nearly a week later, his wife Karyn and close friend Tom were by his side, and his daughters had spent days keeping vigil with him.
“Rose and Peter did an amazing job of raising help and administering CPR – Peter compressing my chest for the major portion of 20 minutes, and Rose getting emergency services to the right place,” says Charlie. “When I learned what had happened, I was emotional and tearful, but incredibly grateful to still be alive.”
Despite the shock, Peter and Rosie knew what Charlie would have wanted. They carried on with the ride, keeping in touch with Charlie daily and even spotting a restaurant in Wellington called Where’s Charlie? – a fitting reminder that their mate was with them in spirit.
Now, nearly two years later, Peter and Rosie are taking on the ride again. This time, they’re cycling not just for the adventure, but to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust – the service that helped saved Charlie’s life.
“Watching the helicopter take off with Charlie, not knowing if we’d ever see him again, was heartbreaking. But without it, he may not have made it. We want to give back so others can have the same life-saving assistance, says Rosie.
Peter echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of CPR training. “When Charlie collapsed, everything froze for a moment, but instinct kicked in. Everyone should know CPR – you never know when you’ll need it.”
Now, nearly two years later, Peter and Rosie are taking on the ride again. This time, they’re cycling not just for the adventure, but to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust – the service that helped saved Charlie’s life. The ride, fittingly named "Where’s Charlie?", is a reminder of the importance of CPR training and raising awareness about the importance of quick action in emergencies.
“The ride is about more than just fundraising,” says Rosie. “It’s about reminding people how vital emergency services are and encouraging everyone to learn CPR. You never know when you might need to save a life.”
Peter adds, “We want people to follow our journey, to see what’s possible when you don’t give up on your mates. This is for Charlie, but it’s also for everyone who might need help one day.”
“It’s humbling,” says Charlie of their efforts. “I’ll always have them in my thoughts for the rest of my days. I hope to complete the ride myself in 2027 and, who knows, maybe Peter and Rosie will join me.”
If you’d like to support their journey, check out their Givealittle page, or cheer them on via the link to see their progress in real time.