A Far North woman who was a strong supporter of St John has left a lasting reminder of her support - a new ambulance.
Helena (Lena) Girdler was a strong supporter of St John for much of her life, and when she died on January 22, aged 97, she gave the order one last gift, a bequest that has now funded the purchase of a brand new ambulance.
The Mercedes Sprinter, which was the last ambulance produced in Hamilton for 2018, arrived in Kaitaia a little over a week ago, replacing an older vehicle that has been returned to the national ambulance pool. All going well, it will serve the Kaitaia district for eight years.
Long-time friend Barbara Schrafft said Helena Gladys Leahy was born in Plymouth, England, on September 9, 1920. Both her father and grandfather served with the Royal Navy.
It was shortly after World War II — in which she served three years in communications - that she met and married Ron Girdler, who suggested they move to New Zealand.