When Shortland Hotel and Nag’s Head hotelier Nick Clark got the call to abseil off McDonald Jones Stadium, he figured it was a leap of faith he was willing to take if it meant giving back to a community organisation as important as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“As hoteliers we’re all about community, it’s our reason for being,” he said.
“So initiatives like this are another way we can help and support people.”
The Leaders Leap Challenge is an annual fundraising event held by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“As hoteliers we’re all about community, it’s our reason for being" - Nick Clark
In total, 20 brave souls, including Clark, signed up to leap from the top of McDonald Jones Stadium in support of the organisation.
“I have a friend whose son was recently choppered down to the John Hunter Hospital from Narrabri by the service and seeing the important work they do first-hand made it a personal goal for me to help give back,” Clark said.
While there may have been some nerves on the day, the ‘superhero’’ hotelier conquered the challenge in no time at all while also raising more than $4,000 for the cause.
“There’s always some fear there,” he said.
“But more than anything I was excited to take part.”
Before leaving, Clark was also quick to nominate AHA Newcastle Hunter President Rolly de With to take the leap next year, but it will be a year of suspense before we find out his answer.