Life Flight

Chenay was just sixteen, and newly a mum. After weeks in Masterton Hospital with pre-eclampsia, she’d given birth to her son Malachi by emergency caesarean.

He seemed fine at first, just the odd jerking movement – but the midwives reassured Chenay that he was okay.

Until, still in hospital, he suddenly stopped breathing.

He was resuscitated and rushed to the special care baby unit where they discovered he’d been having seizures. 

Little Malachi needed specialist care only Wellington Hospital could give — and needed it fast.  

Life Flight carried him there. 

But Chenay couldn’t go with him. Her own condition had turned to eclampsia, and she had to stay in hospital. 

“Being separated from my newborn at such a frightening time was heartbreaking, but knowing he was in the hands of the Life Flight crew gave me comfort. They cared for him when I couldn’t be there.” 

Two days later, once she was stable, Life Flight flew Chenay to Wellington too, back to her son.

“The staff and crew were lifesavers during one of the hardest moments of my life. They reassured me, treated us with kindness, and helped bring me back to my baby when I needed it most.” 

Malachi is thriving now.