From venerated teacher to thoughtful volunteer

Published: 11 November 2025

An 85% blockage in a major artery changed Philip’s life forever. Gone were his busy days of teaching in schools across Auckland. Instead, he and his wife started a new chapter together in Matamata – a town that Philip considers the epitome of warmth and generosity.

It was a day that started like any other. Philip had just finished delivering a writing workshop to a school in central Auckland and was walking back to his car. That’s when he was overcome with breathlessness, nausea, and a severe pain in his stomach.

“I thought I’d eaten something that disagreed with me at lunchtime,” he says. “But when I got home, it was clear I wasn’t in good shape. My wife insisted that we either call the ambulance or head to the medical clinic across the road.”

Still unsure of the severity of it all, Philip agreed to visit the local clinic. However, following a short assessment, he was soon whisked away in an ambulance.

“They diagnosed it as a heart attack straight away,” Philip recalls. “Then, once they ran some tests, they saw that I had an 85% blockage in one of my main arteries.”

After receiving a stent, Philip had a relatively smooth recovery. Not too long after this first heart attack, he and his wife decided to pursue the quieter side of life and retire in Matamata.

Life in the small rural town suited him. It was peaceful, community-focused, and surrounded by generous neighbours.

But sadly, that first heart attack wouldn’t be his last. Several years after their move, Philip began to experience those familiar symptoms: breathlessness and fatigue.

“I saw a private cardiologist almost immediately,” he says. “This time, the blockage wasn’t as severe – but it was still very dangerous.”

Despite these harrowing diagnoses, Philip remains optimistic and active. It’s his personal experience with heart disease that drives his passion for volunteering – as well as the sense of community in Matamata.

“People here are very giving,” he says. “Last year, people were giving whatever they could. They want to help.”

He’s also passionate about the importance of funding heart research and training for cardiologists. “Heart disease is the number one killer in New Zealand, especially with an ageing population,” he explains. “Our diets have changed, we’re more sedentary, and that’s putting stress on our hearts.”

Philip’s story is one of resilience, generosity, and community spirit – something that many of our Big Heart Appeal street collection volunteers can relate to.

He believes getting involved is simple, rewarding, and essential. “You’re only giving up a small amount of time, and if people don’t put their hands up, the donations don’t get collected,” he says. “You get a buzz out of doing it.”