THE Coolamon community has put on display their infectious sense of generosity for an organisation that "flies under the radar".
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At a fund-raising event for aeromedical rescue organisation Snowy Hydro SouthCare at the weekend, more than $30,000 was raised.
When Coolamon man Garry Bradley crashed his milk truck into a tree on the Mary Gilmore Way in January, many thought he wouldn't make it.
He was in a punishing fight for his life after severe injuries put his life in jeopardy.
But Garry's wife, Louise, said SouthCare brought the "hospital to the road" and saved her husband's life.
"If it wasn't for them arriving so quickly, I don't think he would be here today," she said.
"It's such an honourable cause that flies under the radar.
"In Garry's case, it saved his life."
Louise said the SouthCare helicopter was at the scene of the accident within 18 minutes.
The cost of running the service is about $6.5 million a year, with donations from the community forming a "significant" part of the budget.
The stockman's challenge, run by Garry's family, was attended by about 2000 people.
"The highlight was seeing Garry out of hospital," his brother Scott said.
"The level of support was unbelievable - we've had nothing but great comments."
Louise said it has been a difficult road to recovery for the Bradley family who have had to endure complications arising from Garry's critical injuries.
"It's not something I wish upon anyone. It's just such an eye-opener," she said.
"But there are plenty of people who are worse off than us.
"We've just been blown away by the support of people and I'm sure that comes from living in a small community."
